So much history here. How often can you visit a place where the mob conducted business over awesome food. My guest ordered the pork-chop which was perfectly prepared. I had the Steak Fromage with Roquefort cheese. Also cooked to perfection with just the right amount of crisp. Do not leave until you order the potatoes WELL DONE.
(4)
Varun G.
The medium steak was Completly burnt. Adding to that's we were a group of 6 friends celebrating a friends farewell and they got us 4 steaks Completely burnt. Extremely disappointed.
(1)
Brian K.
We dined at Sparks on a busy Saturday night in October to celebrate a special occasion. Sparks is truly an old-school steak house. From the decor to the quality meats. Our waiter and the restaurant's wine list were both phenomenal. A bottle of Malbec paired nicely with the tender beef medallions. We got an appetizer of a Caesar salad which the waiter had split for us in the kitchen without having to ask. The creamed spinach and the veggies are served family style. We were too full for dessert. This restaurant came highly recommended and did not disappoint.
(5)
Barb C.
I have heard of Sparks and always thought it was just a tourist trap... I was so wrong! This was one of the most phenominal steaks I have ever had - and I can't wait to go back! Sparks is definitely and old school institution - nothing fancy about it, and very 1970's kind of feel, but here it is all about the food - and I can see why. The berries romanoff was perfect after a heavy steak, fresh, light and just the right amount of sweetness. I have never given 5 stars but Sparks would have 6 from me if that was an option!
(5)
S. D.
I am not really sure how to rate Sparks because of the different experiences I have had. I have been there numerous times and some times I have had a really great steak that I would rate 5 stars. Other times the steaks were average and one time the steaks were way undercooked for the entire table (almost raw on the inside). So, I am going to average out the experiences and give the steaks four stars. The cheesecake is great, probably one of the best cheesecakes that I have ever had. The wine list on the menu is reasonably priced and they also have the real wine list with a better selection if you request it. The service has also stepped up a lot over the past few years. Ten years ago, Sparks was packed every night with customers as there weren't as many top tier steakhouses back then so the service was super snooty. The front of the house would completely ignore us even though we were standing right in front of him. Now as competition has increased and the place isn't as popular the front of the house is actually friendly and so are the waiters. Complete 180 in service. On a final note, order the sirloin, that is their signature cut. The other steaks are just ok.
(4)
Alex E.
Classic steak house, good service, great cuts of beef.
(4)
Marla G.
I'm not too familiar with the top class of NYC steakhouses, but apparently this is part of that elite group. I was pleased, but not super impressed. I thought the ambience and environment was very nice. It's a very clean, crisp, classy looking place. It was mostly a professional crowd coming after work to enjoy a big steak and a glass of wine. The staff is outstanding-the host made sure we were seated right away (we had a reservation), and our waiter was extremely attentive and catering to our needs. The steak was good-I enjoyed it, but I won't say it's the best steak I've had. Also, I'm not used to a la carte, so I wasn't a fan of paying $8 for some sides. However, if you can afford to go here, I'd go, just maybe not that often.
(3)
jerrys k.
Hello everybody, I have no idea why people are attracted to this place just for the simple fact that Big Paulie was murdered OUTSIDE and about 50 feet from the door!! Get it, he never made it inside, just a few turncoats were waiting INSIDE for him, unfortunately he never made it inside to taste the wonderful medium rare steak he was probably going to eat. Yes the place has great steaks, mobsters know where the good places are and make no mistake, Sparks is it!! So please let the man rest in peace, wouldnt you say he had enough already, Jesus!! , he didnt even eat before her got whacked
(4)
sunee w.
This place has been on my list to review for a while! All I can say is YUM!!! My friend wanted to eat good steak in NY, so my friend recommended this place to us. We were here on a weeknight and we still had to wait close to an hour to be seated, even with reservations. But it was all worth it. The restaurant has an old classic feel to it and quoting my friend 'it's a man's steakhouse!' During the wait, we started out night at the bar ordering many vodka diet sprites. I ordered the beef medalion with lobster. My friend ordered the filet mignon. OMG...when I got my steak, it was the biggest piece of steer on a plate that I've ever seen. Both of our steaks were cooked to perfection, aged impeccably. It was one of the best steaks I've had in my life! Even my lobster tail was flavorful and cooked very well. I barely made a dent in my steak after the lobster (and the leftover steak I took home fed me for 4 days straight afterward!) Our server was wonderful, making cute comments to us trying to get us to order more. Even telling me not to worry about my 'girlish figure' and it's ok to order desert. So cute! He definitely deserved his huge tip! For those of you who love steak and want a real steak house, this is the place to go. Just make sure you get there 1 hr before you want to eat, even if you have reservations.
(5)
tina z.
Love sparks! My second favorite steak house after del friscos. In comparison, Sparks is not as modern in dcor, not as extensive in its choices of wine, but it is quintessential New York old school charm. You feel like a total class act chowing down amongst Wall Street big boys. Here are some pointers. - Starve yourself, go to the gym, or do whatever it may take before comming here if you are counting calories...but please do not order anything but a nice cut of beef here. They discriminate against frou frou new age, veggie eating types here by making everything else on the menu totally mediocre. - Dress the part. Save your Jeans and t-shirt or any other Staten Island uniforms for Smith and Wollensky. Don't blame the servers for being snobbish. I didn't order my steak with a side of loud Brooklyn accent next to me. It's not everyone's cup of tea, but thank god for Outback. - I don't have to say this, because once you see it on the menu, you won't be able to resist anyway. Get the maple-glazed bacon. - If you really want to do it right. The best bargain for wine is the Insignia by Joseph Phelps . I believe it was only 20 dollars over its retail price.
(5)
Deborah S.
Our fun started in the bar with LV--a rugged New Yorker if there ever was one. My colleague kept asking for shit we could not have or do: appetizers in the bar--can we sit at this table? LV was like, "Hey Mr. Questions I Say No To, sit down and have a drink at the bar--I will toss you an olive." I had the best Grey Goose martini ever and then went for the wine. Dinner was fantastic--we ordered a bunch of salads and shared--there was 6 of us and the service was stellar. I of course ordered the Prime Sirloin Steak medium rare and could not have been happier. This place is quintessential New York. If you love good drinks and meat, go to Sparks.
(4)
krs m.
Very good steaks, but a long wait despite a reservation. Excellent service, attentive but not pushy, with no exclamations of "excellent choice" when you order. The decor is forgettable though the tables are large and well spaced and the chairs are very comfortable. Ask to see the top-end wine list just to let your eyes bulge out at the astronomical prices. The main reason for the 3 star rating is the tables full of Wall-Streeters, swilling magnums of Lafitte and Petrus and wandering around the restaurant shouting into cell phones to show how important they are. Too bad there were no tables of Mafiosi that night to quiet them down.
(3)
Vik K.
Despite the underwhelming ambiance (old-school gilded age style with the scent of dusty linen and sweaty men), the food and service delivers in spades. I had a sirloin steak and 3.5lb lobster for two, along with a tomato salad and broccoli. The lobster was superb, deshelled immediately prior to serving by a skilled server with drawn butter. Being a lobster aficionado, I immediately noticed that it was steamed first then finished in the oven and properly presented (split in half with knuckle meat removed and claws completely cracked). The tomato salad, consisting of the heirloom variety, was especially well done for a steakhouse. The steak was tender, not overcharred (unlike Peter Luger) and full of flavor. Broccoli was not the freshest, but after all we are at a steakhouse on the east coast. Surf and turf of top notch quality along with competent and professional service.
(5)
Cindy B.
Business dinner here. Service started out slow, a little inattentive but ended up well... Tables were a little close together but the atmosphere was lively enough (noisy, but in a good way) that we were still able to talk shop without feeling like everyone was listening. Had oysters & shrimp cocktail for apps. Not sure how a shrimp cocktail can be THAT good, but it was..... Oysters were huge. Think everyone had the filet, I did mine "fromage" (it is listed as steak fromage but you can have any cut you want). They brought a cheese platters & chocolates for free for dessert.... Maybe because we spent mega bucks on a 1970 Brunelo (totally worth it). Think it is the place to go for the history, though I don't know that much about it......
(4)
Mike F.
I give out way too many four star reviews. Probably because I do a little bit of research before going to a place. I don't like to waste money or time on the mundane. And folks, Sparks is definitely not mundane. The food, the decor, and the blood splattered sidewalk get my heart going. It's nice when someone else is paying too.
(4)
J W.
Not bad. Old school steakhouse feel. Interesting history. Steak was good as expected from a classic nyc chop house. The old lady that spilled red wine on took a little bit away from my dining experience. Decent place, but I'd probably only go back if it's on a company expense account.
(3)
Anwar A.
OK STOP!!!! THIS PLACE IS NOT 5 stars!!! I don't want to sound like I'm bashing the out of towners but lets not mix the "coolness factor" with the taste and quality of the meal. I do agree that its a good place for business dinners because of the atmosphere. Personally, this is on par with Gallagher's, Ruth's Chris and Morton's of the world which I consider more of the assembly line steak houses and definitely not 5 stars. And c'mon people, whats with getting flavorless filet's at a steakhouse? Filet is the steakman's safe bet at non-steakhouses. Get the damn porterhouse or ribeye for crying out loud. And whats with the well done? I like my steak just how I like my women...dark on the outside yet tender, pink n moist on the inside ;) So what if Paul Castellano was wacked by Sammy the Bull in front of the place in 19 friggin 85??? If the food ain't that good, it ain't that good!
(3)
J V.
Highly recommended! Sparks has history, a great upscale classy atmosphere, excellent service and delicious food. Their steak is thick, juicy, tender, and delightfully tasty. I was not the least bit disappointed, and I can't wait to come back! Really makes for a romantic, special evening. Great for business dinners too. My favorites: the shrimp cocktail appetizer, and filet mignon with spinach. Yum!!
(5)
Jeff C.
Didn't a mobster get shot outside? I digress. I found the steaks to be thick and meaty but not amazing. I have had better @ KnickerBocker & Frankie & Johnnie's. The best part of the meal were the desserts. Be sure to inquire about them.
(3)
John C.
If you are going to be a steakhouse you must have a NY Strip Steak and a Ribeye on the menu. Sirloin is an inferior cut of meat that is much cheaper. It's not as good as Peter Lugar's, or Kean's.
(3)
Eli Z.
One of my favorite restaurants in the world. Everything is done with precision and everything tastes perfect. Waiters are all highly trained with the wines and always seem to make perfect recommendations. A downside is the bathrooms, which don't represent the quality of the food, but I don't go to an expensive steak dinner and judge the place based on the head. Check it out, you will not be dissapointed.
(5)
Pat W.
Basic steakhouse. Mediocre food the high price they charge.
(2)
Mehdi M.
Outstanding steaks and wine menu, but decor is aged, as is the attitude of the maitre d'. There are so many Manhattan steak houses that are absolutely superb that this one isn't worth visiting any more, despite the food.
(3)
Ryan H.
he setting is legendary Sparks Steakhouse in Manhattan on 46th St in Midtown. But I wasn't there on a power business dinner. No I was there with my wife. I'm amazed at the flexibility the place offers. It was obvious that many there were negotiating business deals. However we were seated in a cozy alcove with a great view of the dining room with the privacy of a romantic dinner. My expectations when dining out are extremely high. Sparks offered to quench my thirst of a big steak. The steaks were, in fact, big. So were the prices. $44.95 gets you the filet. But at 16 oz. it seems appropriate as a $24 8 oz steak at a fine establishment is a bargain. The wine list was extensive and even the menus were HUGE. I can't explain in measurments because I didn't have a yard stick with me. We were able to snag a bottle of La Tour Haut Brion Bordeaux for around $100 (92-94 rated at about a 100% markup). The steak was cooked perfectly to my specification which is now in between medium rare and medium, but more to the rare. And finally we finished it off with a 20 year tawny port and a slice of the cheesecake. A meal fit for a king. I recommend going next time you're in the City.
(4)
Joseph K.
The best steakhouses don't pussyfoot around - they make you feel like a True Man - like a hunter, like you should be drinking scotch on the rocks and closing off vital business deals with razor-sharp precision, dusting off your competitors sans remorse and celebrating by sharpening your silverware and downing a bloody cut of meat without thinking twice about consequence or the future. There's old-school steakhouse and new-school steakhouse and Sparks decidedly qualifies as the former, from the maple oak wood paneling to the bow-tied waiters, it's in the same category as Smith & Wollensky's and Peter Luger; in other words, it's a steakhouse made for the old money clientele. So let's get down to the nitty gritty. The Ceasar offered no surprises and pulled no punches, and for 12 bucks this isn't acceptable - give me some zip, some zing, not just a few sad croutons covered in yesterday's Parmesan. The broiled shrimp appetizer registered better with me - plump, juicy, not too heavy. Then the steak. Ordered the Prime Sirloin and requested it to be cooked medium. It arrived closer to medium-well. Less juice and less redness than I'd have preferred, but an above average steak by any quantifiable degree. Perfectly charred on the outside with that fatty tinge of sweetness permeating the inside - precisely the flavor you'd like to achieve in a forty-two dollar piece of meat. The side of hash browns was the biggest loser of the night - just way too dry due to the insane overcooking of the potatoes. Maybe if they added some olive oil or more butter... Dessert: Tartuffo, berries, whipped cream cheesecake. No "wow" factor here either, but a welcome respite from all that meat anyway. So yeah, I can forgive Sparks for pretty much effing everything up on the periphery of the meat - and delivering the goods where it matters the most. Also, good wine choices - we got something something something Bordeaux and it delivered with a workmanlike performance.
(3)
Laura W.
This is my favorite steak house in New York. It has the best service and wine list. And the food is amazing and 5 star.
(5)
Alyson P. H.
RIP SPARKS (NO STARS) Sparks used to be great. But it seems like the shootings and staff lawsuits have taken a toll on the establishment as it's now a complete den of disfunction. I made a reservation 2 weeks in advance for my husband's birthday. They confirmed the date and time and I never thought twice about it. The night of our reservation we showed up for dinner to find the doors locked and the place closed. Needless to say we were furious. What decent NYC restaurant will make a reservation on a night they're closed?! When I called the next day the managers could not have been more rude or unhelpful. The only thing they were concerned with was the date and time I called to make the reservation and the closest thing I got to an apology was "I hear you." I WILL NEVER RETURN TO THIS RESTAURANT. If the staff is this completely incompetent making a simple reservation, there is no way I'd trust the food there. My husband and I went around the corner to Palm Too and had an INCREDIBLE dinner complimented by an amazing, super accommodating staff. RIP Sparks. You're officially dead to us.
(1)
Fanta B.
Quite possibly the best steak in NY, and considering it's high price I was expecting tiny portions (doesn't it always seem that way at nice places). But the portions were huge. $40-50 is a lot to drop on a steak for most people, but this is worth it. Just don't get fooled: this isn't the best steak in the country. You haven't really had steak until you have eaten it in the midwest, the beef capital of the world.
(4)
Alain L.
This place is truly old school and gives the sense, and appearance, of being more of a men's club than anything else. Aside from that, the drinks are well made and the steaks are prepared to perfection. I recommend the sirloin. Let me also add that the service is top-notch, as it should be for what your paying, right? Perfect place to celebrate a major occasion, whether business or personal. Let me also add that, although I had liquor with my dinner, their wine list is fantastically extensive.
(5)
dave m.
My first night in New York i had to go to Sparks steak house. I had to eat where Paul Castellano used to eat. If you dont know, then you just dont know. ;) (google it) This place has a feel to it, have you seen good fellas? This place was jammed packed on a monday night. It was the after work crowd i guess, lots of people standing at the bar waiting for their table to be called or watching the basketball game. Not really what i expected, i was hoping to walk into a quiet place with some good guys eatting some steaks in the corner and drinking some wine. I walked all around and saw none of it. The menu has 1 page of entrees, and 3 pages of wine listings. I think the cheapest meal you can order is about $35 and its probably the fish. I had the sliced fillet with mushrooms, turned out to be an excellent choice. The waiter did this changing the table cloth trick without taking our glasses off the table, it was pretty cool i thought. I guess i do learn something new every day. I just wish i was a littler hungier before i went to sparks. Damn those hotdog stands in nyc i just had to get one just before dinner. lol
(4)
Roshan V.
More like 4.5 stars. Probably one of the top 5 steaks I've ever had. Not the best, but very very close. Unfortunately, I went on the 3rd night of my New York trip, after having eaten steak the first 2 nights. My Twitter message after eating at Sparks? "Here comes the meat sweats!" I had reservations on a Saturday night. We arrived on time, and the host, who seemed very hurried, ordered us to the bar to have a drink for 15 minutes. He wasn't rude, per se, just very New York, and it came off as kind of amusing. Pretty much everyone coming through the door was told to wait at the bar for "15 minutes". Was there a need for reservations? It reminded me of the Seinfeld episode with the rental car agency: "You see, you know how to take the reservation, you just don't know how to HOLD the reservation. And that's really the most important part of the reservation, the holding. Anybody can just take them." So we waited at the bar and watch the UCLA/Kansas game, drinking our drinks. We didn't have to wait long before we got our table. The place was a lot bigger than I imagined it would be, but the lighting and setup didn't make it seem like a giant mess-hall. Our waiter was really nice, and he could totally tell we weren't locals. We ordered the sirloin, the filet, side of hash browns, side of creamed spinach, and a caesars salad. In retrospect, this was a ridiculous amount of food. The salad was amazing - it was a fancy schmancy salad with greens that you had to cut; this was a normal American caesars salad. My sirloin was ginormous...definitely enough for two if you're not a fatty. The creamed spinach was kinda eh...tasted bland to me. The potatoes were really good. Both side dishes were a lot of food. The table near us was filled with 6 men in suits who kind of looked like the traditional bankers from the Washington Mutual commercials. The other table near us had a couple sitting there where the guy seemed to know everyone that worked there and had a really loud voice - he reminded me of Alec Baldwin (like, this guy might have been able to give the coffee is for closers speech if he were really angry). At one point in the middle of their appetizers, the couple just got up and left but left all of their stuff there. My gf commented that she thought they left to go have sex in the bathroom...and if he came back with a smile on his face, and her hair was messed up, then it had to be true...sure enough, 10 minutes later he came back with a huge smile, and she came back to her seat fixing her hair. WTF? If that's what you get for bringing someone here, then 5 stars by all means. Needless to say, watching the other diners made it an amusing night. We also finished with the cheesecake, which was ok. It only came with one strawberry and didn't have a graham cracker crust :( Overall this was a really great place that I would recommend to anyone who likes steak. You'll get the full steakhouse experience, and the food is great. I personally don't like giant portions, but I have some friends that do (cough Carol L cough) so you definitely get your monies worth.
(4)
Tom B.
I have been to Sparks many times and the steak never fails to melt in your mouth. This is the benchmark that I measure all other restaurants. Great service, incredible wine list and perfect cuts of meat. I have never experienced the problems some of the bad reviews mentioned.
(5)
Paul A.
Decent Steak house and in most smaller cities would get an automatic 5 stars, but this is NYC and that being said, It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. For me, it's one and done and now I can say I've been there. Strip House is still the best to me and Sparks like so many other steak houses in Nyc just seem the same. The service was alright, not the greatest and the food was good, not great just good. Wouldn't tell you not to go, but would say to not expect it to be anywhere near the best.
(3)
Pree R.
Sparks or Luger's? I'm actually in the minority among my friends -- they swear by Sparks while I'm more a fan of Luger. But I wont argue that Sparks is clearly one of the best steakhouses in the city. More consistently good than Lugar's but never as great. The oysters are brilliant in addition to just about any cut of mouthwatering steak and sides that even a vegetarian can enjoy. Can't say I love the decor, but the place has history. And really, it's about the meat here anyways.
(4)
Susan G.
Wanted to check this place out for my husbands bday. We went to a Knicks game so we made a reservation for 10p. We got to the restaurant around 10:15 and were completely rushed by wait staff. On top of that the steaks were tough and chewy and the baked potato was a joke. Take your money to Lugers or the Strip House.
(2)
Dan B.
One of Manhattan's best known steak houses lives up to its reputation in many ways and in other ways, gives wiffs of the word, "overrated." Good service, full bar, giant and juicy pieces of steaks, and mouth watering side dishes. The tomato and mozzerella I had to start was fantastic. Overpriced, but fantastic. The filet mignon was cooked well on the inside, but I felt the outside was a little bit burnt for my taste. The creamed spinach and potatoes were awesome. We also had a pecan pie ala mode which of course was good, but honestly I have had better at Costco. It's a high end steakhouse where you can expect great taste, but I have honestly had better. I think I enjoyed it so much because for me, it was a free meal :) I think they can do a little better on the prices.
(3)
douglas B.
Its been a good 12 hours since i have eaten at sparks and I am pretty sure i am still full. Walking in I felt like i was going to old rich white man heaven. My friend remarked that this was the most girls he had ever seen in the place ( there were 5 counting the 2 we were with) The wine list is fantastic we went for a zin over a cab and it was so freaking good. The whole experience was top notch, not a place if you are watching your wallet thats for sure but if you want to take a break from making it rain and eat a steak instead, a damn good steak..this is your place.
(4)
Dieu C.
My first fine dining experience in New York was here, so being the n00b I was then, I was quite intimidated upon setting foot into this lavish restaurant. ALL of the male patrons were wearing suits and the women wore dressed very business-like. I felt all eyes on me as I stepped in wearing a bright green peacoat. How uncomfortable. Haha. My friends and I were walked in, so we had to wait 20 minutes for seating. In the meantime, we got our coat checked and waited. Once seated, our friendly and attentive waiter told us the daily specials, which we opted out on because we had no idea what he was saying. We ordered filet mignon, halibut, and ribeye. They all tasted good, but nothing too memorable besides the steak getting cold very fast. I appreciated how they never voluntarily gave us the bill until we specifically asked. I found that very nice because we didn't have to feel rushed after we finished our meal and were chatting away. Indeed, it was a pricey meal, yet another pleasant experience. Would I come back again? Nah. I rather go to Ruth's Chris. :)
(3)
Tim M.
I loved this place, and better yet, I took clients who are also friends where my company paid the bill!!! With wine about $1,600 for 6 of us, but like I say great food does not have to be fancy or expensive. So we had our own table in the corner, and acted up as we did for we were drinking lots, and the steaks (good enough) and atmosphere (festive but not loud) along with the service (very very good) were done just right where we were in our own world. Initially we were thinking of going over to Peter Lugar's or Bobby Van's but decided on this classic and have to say I will be back as hands down the best option for steak here (sometimes it has to be more than just the food). NYC has lots to chose from, and there is reason this place has been around so long. Did not see any mob bosses, but hedge fund managers were there for sure. A true guy's guys place and a fun experience for sure.
(4)
Paul Q.
I thought this was going to be one of these old school places that's past its prime. I was wrong. Spark's definitely has an old NY feel but the food is still terrific. The steak was mouth watering good. The hash browns were excellent also. Great bartender out front too. The post renovation dining room is huge compared to how it used to look. It's a little loud, the decor is a little tacky and the service is a little "gruff" but it's all part of the charm.
(4)
sam s.
Great bartenders, excellent wait-staff, biblical wine list, and superb steaks: nothing out of the ordinary for a top-notch steak house, but in Manhattan, this truly is as good as it gets. Old world feel with 19th century oil paintings covering the walls, and the intriguing history of the place (a Mafia shooting) only add to the ambience. Try the bloody mary. Try the wedge salad. Tasty.
(4)
Kurt S.
This is a tough review, but I have to go with my gut. For the supposedly best steak house in NYC, I wasn't all that impressed. 3/5 stars because I have to hold it to such a high standard... but make no mistake, I'd totally go back again. The good: The food, obviously, is good - par for the course of an expensive a la carte steak house. My sirloin wasn't the best I've ever had, but it was the biggest, so I guess that's something! HUGE wine list. (least expensive bottles were $40, most expensive bottle was over $1,700 if I recall... ) My party had a 7pm reservation on a Friday and the place was still half empty, so we were seated immediately. The bad: Only 2 cuts of steak available - sirloin or filet. While it was delicious all around, I was expecting to pass out in ecstasy upon the first bite... and I didn't. I even called an ambulance in advance to be ready... what a waste! I enjoyed the steak at Ruth's Chris (in FL anyway, haven't tried the NYC location) better... more juicy, tasty, and more choice in cuts if you prefer something else (ribeye, t-bone, etc). The nitpicky: Holy god, what is with the menus? The huge wine list is nice, but not when I have to hold a giant billboard in my lap while I'm trying to decide on the food! Everyone in my part was awkwardly wondering what to do with them while we were waiting to place our order.
(3)
Frank M.
A classic steakhouse. Excellent steak, but also great seafood. Lobster is prepared perfectly. Service is top notch.
(5)
Kelly D.
This place is for work meetings and lunches. They have not changed their decor since it was built I think, and this is kind of their niche. A good old fashion meat and potato steak place. Every time I come here for work the steak is consistent and the fish is buttery and yummy. There are many other places in the city for steak so it's hard to really say that this place offers something unique. If you are looking for a quality place, Luger's or Wolf gangs blows this away because there is definitely a difference in the quality and flavor of the meat. But if you are looking for a standby in midtown that you don't mind dealing with obnoxious investment banker types in prissy polished wingtips and half wit middle of no where tourists slopping down all the well done cow with A1 they can shovel into their face then give it a try. Again nothing creative but solid none the less and huge I mean huge portions.
(3)
Anthony B.
Sparks Steak House in NYC is everything you would ever want in a steak house. This is the best steak I have ever eaten and I have been to a lot of steak houses. It just melts in your mouth. The environment is very upbeat and the service is awesome. The prices are high and you will probably have to wait....but it's all worth it in the end. I can't wait to go back to Sparks.
(5)
angela g.
Yum!!! not the best, but def super good. i wish there as more of a selection of cuts. the service was good, the wine list is INCREDIBLY long. for me the excitement was the self changing toilet seat! hahaha
(4)
Nikki E.
I had a pretty crappy experience here. We came here for lunch, and I was hoping to order off of the lunch menu that I had seen online earlier that morning. When I asked for the lunch menu I was told that it was only available during the summer. The website states that it is available from Monday through Friday, without any sort of seasonal limitations. We wouldn't have come! I thought that was kind of deceiving. I had wanted to order a salad with sliced steak (which had been featured on the lunch menu). Anyway, there was no such option on the regular menu. So I had to order a steak for $47.95 and a separate salad. The side salad consisted of the equivalent of bagged romaine lettuce and two pieces of tomato. The rolls were stale. The service was okay, but I had to ask them to refill my water three times. For these prices I feel they should have been a bit more attentive. I HIGHLY recommend Del Frisco's for lunch - it beats out this place by a mile. Sparks is dated and way too pricey. The steak was all right, but nothing to write home about -- it wasn't prepared properly at first so I had to send it back. This place is way past its prime.
(2)
Brett M.
Filet mignon on an epic scale, a guy whose name was probably "Knuckles" working the front and leering at the women in our party, paneling so dark and intriguing that you feel anything could be happening in the corners and you wouldn't know it (but you would want to). In a word: BRILLIANT! I've had some incredible steaks in my life and this was one of the very best! Solid sides, good desserts, excellent wine, and more testosterone than a men's locker room. How can you go wrong?? Enjoy it for what it is... Disneyland for mobsters, the ninth ring of Hell for cows, and a cardiologist's wet dream. You will leave incredibly content and wondering if you will ever need to eat again.
(5)
Anna Y.
I saw about half a dozen men cupping their dates' butts while I was waiting for my table. I also saw a lot of suits silently competing to see who would order the strongest drink. I was half expecting them to have an impromptu arm wrestling match, with sylvester stallone as the surprise celebrity judge. People were not exaggerating when they said Sparks was a straight up MAN place. But oh holy god, the food there is GOOD. The boyfriend and I started with oysters. They were very fresh and just the right amount of briny. I had filet mignon and brocooli, the boyfriend had the prime something something with asparagus sauteed in butter. Both steaks were cooked perfectly medium rare and the boyfriend's steak was slightly crispy on the outside. SO GOOD! I love steak so. Service was okay - polite and quick, but nothing extraordinary. You know what was extraordinary was the wait for our table. We had a reservation for 8:00 and checked in with the maitre d' at 7:40 but didn't get seated until 8:45. I checked in with him at 8:00 and again at 8:30. At 8:45, I was ready to eat my hand and the boyfriend's hand. This time, the maitre d' (who incidentally looked a lot like Fredo in "The Godfather")blatantly stared at my tiny boobies while telling me our table was getting set and would be ready in a few minutes. Then he gave me a smarmy smile. Under normal circumstances, I would've brought out the bitchness, but I was hungry as hell so I just chalked that one up as taking one for the team. Rabid hunger makes me do weird things. I love this place, sheisty maitre d's and all.
(4)
YJ H.
Thanks to a loaded cousin of my wife, who happens to LOVE steaks, we had many chances to visit fine steak houses in NYC while we lived in NJ. Sparks of course was one of them. We visited during a week day without a reservation, and a party of 6 was seated promptly. We ordered some oysters and shrimps for appetizers, which were pretty good, and then proceeded to order our carnivorous menu of sirloins, filet mignons and a 4 lbs lobster. Let me first tell you about the 4 lbs lobster. I had my shares of lobsters and the 4 pounder from Sparks wasn't even pushing 3 lbs. Of course I have no way of measuring it, but a 3 lbs I personally bought in a fish market in Maine could have crushed the Sparks 4 pounder with one of its claws tied behind. Needless to say there wasn't much lobster meat for all of us. As for the steaks, their specially aged meat tasted very good. Like most steak lovers, I like my steak medium-rare, and luckily the meat was cooked to my liking. It was tender and juicy. I like my steak seasoned with little salt and pepper, but I thought this one was little blend. I didn't like the side dishes of asparagus, potatoes and spinach, which we had to order separately. The atmosphere is very much old boys club setting. Many power-suits and 70:30 men to women ratio. Would I go here if I had to pay out of my own pocket? Probably not. Would I go here if someone else paid. You betcha! Bon Appetit!
(4)
Alfonso E.
OUTSTANDING steak house. The best I've ever ever ever been to (and I've spent my own and my employers' fair share of $$ on premiere steak establishments). This one tops them ALL. Definitely got some old-world masculine vibe in it, but wouldn't you expect that to be part of the charm in an unabashed meat-serving establishment? Hey, that masculinity was even more palpable back in the day when NYC still tolerated smoking in restaurants (and some boys lit up the fatties). The superb quality of their meat is their cornerstone, so I like to keep my order choices simple. You probably won't experience a finer filet mignon in many other places on earth. But if you want over the top, give in to the steak fromage... steak topped with roquefort. Jeeezus unreal.
(5)
Justin L.
This may have been the best steak I've ever had. There was 4 people in our party, everyone ordered something different and it was all pretty awesome. Granted, I don't eat alot of $100 steaks like some people apparently do, but for a regular guy like me, it was great. Service was really good. Expensive, but it might just be worth it.
(5)
asako h.
a friend's coworker raved about the dry-aged sirloin so we had to try... and we were not disappointed. the appetizer was delicious and the steak was perfectly medium rare (unlike most steak houses where they cook it to medium when you request medium rare). the wait staff was also surprisingly accommodating: my friend and i were running a little late but they held our table for an extra 30 min. very strange/lucky since it seemed like other people were complaining because they had to wait even tho they had reservations and showed up on time. Appetizer: Lump Crabmeat Cocktail (good) Entree: Prime Sirloin Steak (very good) Sides: Broccoli and Creamed Spinach (good but typical, i guess?) sides were definitely overpriced (~$10 for broccoli) but i guess you need something next to your steak. steak was also a bit pricey (~$45?) but definitely well worth it.... i cant wait till i go back!
(4)
Gina L.
Overpriced, outdated, not memorable... In a good way! Steak was burnt. Go to Del Friscos!
(2)
Ken T.
Following advices I gather from yelp, I ordered the prime sirloin steak. Maybe my expectation was too high, but I was not impressed at all. The meat was decent, but was way over cooked. I asked for medium, instead I got medium well. Actually, it was more like well done. I was tempted to send it back, but was afraid of the consequence due to the restaurant's rumored mob association. So, I ate it anyway... Our waiter was courteous, but a little inexperienced. I had to ask for water in two separate occasions, and he left an empty beer bottle on the table through our meal. This was just not acceptable in a $$$$ restaurant. And after he gave us the bill, he did not return for what seemed like eternity. It reminded me of the 20/80 rule - 20% of people doing 80% of the work. Our poor waiter seemed a bit over-worked, while the others were just standing around talking among themselves. Maybe he was on the bottom of the hierarchy? I would never know. Anyway, we paid cash. As the minute went by and feeling abandoned, we were tempted to pull out his tips from the black bill folder. But again, we decided that was not a good idea, in case it would offend the wrong people. Overall, Food = 3 stars Service = 2 stars Ambience = 5 stars
(2)
Audrey J.
Don't mistake the dark paneling, knowledgeable waiters, and the Mafia feel. This place is indeed "one of those places." It feels very old-boys, but that's part of its charm. The meat is just damn good. No mincing words; it's delicious. I had a gigantic filet mignon, which was the size of my head. The dessert was delectable, too. After that huge steak (with plenty of mouth-wateringly perfect sides like creamed spinach and asparagus -- definitely worth the extra cash), I had a strawberry Romanoff, which was strawberries with a cream that was oh so wonderful. Let's just say Sparks made me an offer I couldn't refuse. Ahhhhh...
(5)
Jen L.
Best filet mignon I ever had. I like everything about this place. I love the old-school/mafia like atmosphere. And the food was just so good and tasty and juicy, including the sides (think: creamed spinach) and apps (we basically had every app and all were good). I don't generally like filet mignon (I am much more of a ribeye gal) but I had to try the filet here since they are known for it. The service was also great. My only disappointment is that I did not get to order dessert. This is one of the top steakhouses in NYC. There is so much tradition/stories with the NY gangster/shooting and it makes it more fun to be there. This is such a guys type place but as a girl, I really appreciated the whole dining experience.
(5)
Jamie P.
Good location, famous for it's history with the Italian mafia but not a great steak selection so I had the lobster and shrimp, which was unbelivably delicious. Good ambiance and great service. The spinach is so good- it's a must if you go there.
(4)
Ryan B.
I now remember why I stopped going to Sparks. You can get better steak at almost every other steakhouse in NYC and can be insulted by your waiter anywhere. I mean seriously, if you ask if they have any special cuts not on the menu is the waiter's response suppose to be, "Have you ever eaten here before." And then when you ask for some steak sauce (really to give their signature sirloin some taste and make it a little less tough) should you be asked again, "Have you ever eaten here before." The only thing that was good about our meal was the wine and the company...I would expect more from a 4-person meal costing more than $600...avoid Sparks at all costs...but that's just my two cents...if i could have given it less than one star i would!
(1)
CJ C.
The sirloin is apparently the signature dish here, as they pushed it almost to the point that I would bet the servers get a kickback for each one sold (not uncommon practice in the restaurant business). In fact they were somewhat annoyed when I ordered something else. The apps were good, great wine list, but for a Friday night at 8 pm the place was half empty, and I can see why now.
(2)
Jen P.
i enjoyed my steak immensely, but i must admit it was a tad salty. but it was free. and after 3 glasses of wine, pretty much anything tastes amazing. i had the sirloin steak, the spinach salad, a bunch of sides and then about 3 lbs of cheesecake, ice cream, whipped cream and fruit. would it scare you if i told you i feel just fine? like barely full? yeah, it scares me too...
(4)
Jeff B.
The food is 5 stars all the way, but the atmosphere is one of my least favorite of the top NYC steakhouses.
(4)
Debbie W.
I liked but i didnt love. I really had high hopes as the person who recommended it described it as the best steakhouse in the city. The steak was very unwhelming. I did like the atmosphere which was a little softer than a typical steakhouse.
(3)
Jeff C.
Decent steak house with wet (not dry) aged beef. Short on your regular varieties of steaks except sirloin and Filet. Otherwise, the decor is excellent, service professional, the food is good from the best sirloin I've ever had, to the tasty side dishes and the great desserts. Wine, even the cheapest is excellent. Overall, an excellent experience. But where is my favorite ribeye???
(4)
Jon W.
Heaven. Best tasting filets. The service has been stellar for special events. This is on the brink of being my favorite place in NYC.
(5)
Chi L. M.
A fairly unique place. The people who worked there are funny and friendly. The menu is huge (physically)! The steak was very well done, cooked to perfection, though with room for improvement. Other food items are ok. I cannot recall anything which was particularly memorable. But it was a good experience.
(4)
Michelle Q.
Based on service alone, Sparks deserves five stars. Our two waiters were top-notch professionals. My bf and I had an excellent dinner. I made rsv's for a late dinner on a Saturday night. When we arrived it was a full house, we even witnessed a cute tipsy mother walking out the door in the care of her husband and daughter - must been a celebration! Upon arriving, the maitre 'd had us sit at the bar for a few minutes. Then we were escorted to one of the dining rooms to the right. The restaurant is huge; I think there are two dining rooms and a private room. Our main waiter greeted us very warmly and he superbly took care of us the whole night. For apps, I had a fresh and chilled lump crabmeat cocktail, and my bf had fresh mozz and tomato. I read that the sirloin is a must so I suggested my bf to have that. Aside from the sirloin and filet mignon, there aren't any other cuts offered on the menu. Kind of a let down since my fave is rib eye. I ordered the Beef Scaloppini, thick slices of filet mignon with bordelaise (sp?) sauce topped with mushrooms and peppers. And we shared an order of hash browns. Then, our generous waiter brought us creamed spinach and grilled onions. Wow, that was so sweet of him. I immediately thanked him and my bf said some pleasantries in Albanian. Out of the three sides we had, none were great and most were left untouched except for the onions. Both of the steaks were huge, my bf's was perfect to temperature and moist. My filet was a little overcooked but all the sauce it was smothered in made it better. About 2/3's into the steaks we were stuffed and had to stop. I swear the button of my pants were about to pop off. The 2nd waiter meticulously changed our tablecloth after we were done, and I was watching him so closely it made him and I giggle. Absolutely full, and not interested in dessert, we asked for the bill. Ohhmyyygoodness, the waiter comes out with a huge plate flourished with two beautifully decorated desserts. I took in a quick inhale then deep exhale and went in. The delicious soft vanilla ice cream, fresh fruits, and amazing chocolate cake had my bf and I cursing heaven - really ourselves or the waiter - bc we're going to hell for gluttony. We were running on a schedule, that's why we weren't going to have dessert in the 1st place, but that didn't matter anymore. I looked at my bf with my heavy eyelids - I was feeling high and frisky from the food overload. It was a great dinner with outstanding service.
(4)
nicole g.
Great steaks, great atmosphere. I feel like I stepped into Old Hollywood everytime I go in there. The history at Sparks is undeniable and its fun to learn about. You do feel like a part of history when your eating in there. Definately check it out- I cant imagine you wouldnt have a good time!
(4)
Marc S.
Close your eyes, dream fillet Minot, asparagus salad, try a 3-5 pound lobster and a stiff drink and trhow yourself back in time....truly the best steak house in Manhattan, old school values. A sure bet!
(5)
Robert T.
My family and I ate here for the first time in May of this year, and we have been back 4 times since (I should preface this with the fact that we live in Maryland). Slowly but surely we are checking off steakhouses in NYC (so far: Peter Luger's, Delmonico's, Ben and Jack's, Keens, and BLT steak). I am partial to Peter Luger's because of the heavy dry aged flavor but a very close second is Sparks. The decor is a bit outdated and blase in appearance, but the food, service and overall experience is exceptional. Their signature steak is superb and always cooked to perfection, RARE with a delicate sear on each side. The meat is 'melt in the mouth' tender. We usually get a 3 pound lobster that my wife and kids devour as if lobster were being outlawed the following day. It is fresh but a bit chewy for my taste. The potatoes with the side of hollandaise sauce are extraordinary. Crispy, perfectly charred potatoes with a creamy, rich sauce that is a light but well balance blend of egg and tangy lemon. On our last visit, I had the lamb chops which again were superb. Lightly seasoned and cooked to my liking, allowing the ever so slight gaminess of the meat to take center stage. When we come to Sparks, we are treated like regulars (which I technically think we are)...Mr. Abdou and the staff are abundantly pleasant and dote over my daughters, including the occasional kitchen tour. Having said that, I realize I sound like a rube dazzled by the glitz of the big city; however, the fact is that the food is excellent, the service outstanding, and that we are treated so well certainly strikes a chord with us.
(5)
Alan N.
Sparks is right at the top of the high end steakhouses in the city. the concierge is great and accommodating and will hook you up if you are there for a bachelor party. great scotch selection, steak and sides are all top notch. Have nothing bad to say about this place.
(5)
Rick H.
The best damn steak I've had anywhere in the country. Nothing beats these steaks. Sides are another thing. Good, but the emphasis (as it should be at a STEAKhouse) is the meat.
(4)
D Y.
great steaks.
(4)
Shar B.
Took the hub here as a surprise dinner for our recent anniversary. The meal was wonderful - we both enjoyed absolutely scrumptious filet mignon. Truthfully, I almost got bullied by those reviews that say "sirloin is their specialty, you MUST order the sirloin!" but I confessed my filet-love to a friend earlier that day who sent me a pro-filet pep talk via email ("Don't be a lemming! Get what you want. I find sirloin grisly & prefer filet too... every cut there will be good")... I'm so thankful I took her advice & stuck to the cut I know I love because it was tres yummy. For our sides, we order asparagus & a baked potato. Our waiter split those onto 2 plates without being asked to, nice! We finished our meal w/ fresh berries & some divinely awesome chocolate chip ice cream; these were also thankfully split in half by our waiter without our requesting. Our waiter was accommodating without trying to buddy-up to us too much. As some reviews state, the staff does keep a certain distance but it is purely out of professionalism - they just don't want to be in the diners' way, it's all about the FOOD. And despite the initial seemingly-aloof demeanor, our waiter proved to be warm & friendly - dishing out a few clever quips & offering to take our picture once he spotted our camera. Contrary to some reviews I've read, you don't have to be dressed to the nines or spend tons of money here to be treated well - we were dressed nicely but casually, we didn't order any appetizers, lob$ter or alcoholic drinks (would've gotten wine had I not been preggo) & yet we felt we were treated quite well. Perhaps they lay on the service more if you do dish out the cash but we were NOT slighted because we just ordered the basics (& let's face it, even if you order just the basic steaks, sides & soda here, you are dishing out some cash!). Atmosphere is actually what you'd expect from a plush comfortable steakhouse - lots of dark wood, well maintained. Overall, a delicious & pampering meal! The only reason I'm giving it only 4 stars is because I've only dined there once; I might increase if I my 2nd time here is just as amazing.
(4)
Han P.
One word: PERFECT. My favorite steak place of all time, and I always get the same thing - filet mignon, medium-rare. They must have a magic oven/grill/broiler because the steak always come out exactly the way I like it. Perfect layer of char and seasoning on both sides, followed by a tiny layer of browned steak, then followed by warm pink to a red center. Most amazing is that flavor of the cut stays through all the layers. I've never been there when the restaurant has been less than 95% full for the past 10 years on any given night. What that tells you is that regardless of the economy, this is where New Yorkers go for good steak. We always get the same two sides as well: mushroom caps and hashbrowns. Both are awesome and complement the perfect steaks versus paying $10 for a simple baked potato or plate of cooked unseasoned vegetables that other steakhouses will offer as their sides. As others pointed out, they have an amazing wine list. I won't lie... this place will break your bank so make sure it's a special occasion or a dinner to impress clients who are visiting. 9/10 times, my clients, colleagues, and friends who get the fortunate experience of Sparks visit will leave saying, "This is the best steak I've ever eaten!"
(5)
Ryan G.
I was taken here for my birthday dinner and it was really good. It was a little noisy, but the food was so, so good. The steak was amazing and the cheescake with a little candle on it was even better.
(4)
Aki A.
I consider this the best steak I've ever eaten in the New York City (boroughs included). I no longer eat beef, but I can still say that this place knew how to cook it. They also have a pretty awesome wine selection and the staff there is super nice and very knowledgeable and helpful. I've been to most of the other big steak houses in the city and they're all quite good, but none can really compare to this place. It's pretty large, but you don't realize that when you're sitting down. From what I recall their dessert wine list is decent, but their Scotch list is impressive. So if you're like me, you'll enjoy watching everyone eat their fancy shamncy chocolate cakes while you sip on some hard-to-find Scotch. I don't miss beef one bit. But if I had to pick a place to come back to eat it. This could easily be it.
(5)
Stephanie B.
Incredible fresh oysters on the half-shell. Absolutely odorless, smooth, soft with only a twinge of sea-tasting brine. Steaks, phenomenal. Sides, excellent. The wait staff are superb and really pay attention to the small things and read the table's body language and non-verbal cues about good service. This only occurred to me after leaving, how terrific the waiter is in that way. I was there with six men, all of them work for me. Without ever making any of us uncomfortable, the waiter treated me as a lady with grace and charm, but somehow recognized the authority I had and knew to ask me about all the table joint decisions. The cheesecake is also wonderful. Dense without being too rich and heavy, still airy with a golden brown baked top sans cracks or creases and the slightest note of citrus... beautiful.
(4)
Kelly T.
Amazing service and steaks. Of course, expensive, but worth every tasty morsel that went into my mouth. This reminds me of an old steakhouse with mature male wait staff. Very basic foods, but quality and simply prepared. Excellent experience.
(5)
JL S.
sparks in midtown is great. if I am in the mood, and its about steak, Id rather just go here.
(5)
John R.
this is my favorite steakhouse in nyc. hands down. the steaks are outstanding, portions are huge, sides are all good, service is exceptional.
(5)
Sarah T.
Gangster stories aside, this place is delicious. I had a NY Strip steak w/ Roquefort cheese on top. I definitely recommend it. I also saw loads of 3lb+ lobsters being carted to the many tables of bankers. (i think the male to female ratio in this place is 9:1.) they looked delicious.
(5)
Marcus P.
Sparks Steak House is a classic steak restaurant with an old-world New York feel. Once a hangout for the cities mafia, Sparks was made infamous when John Gotti had Paul Castellano whacked right out the front door. Since then I don't know if anyone else has met their maker at this New York landmark, but I'm sure some large checks have shocked more than one patron into a heart stopping episode. None from open gunfire though. The restaurant still portrays that character of a time passed-from the classic paintings that cover all the walls, to place settings, lighting, and of course the macho (which some women would probably describe as "chauvinistic") attitude expressed throughout, especially by members of the staff. While the food portion of the menu is straightforward and to the point, with a handful of excellent steak options as well as a mix of fish and lobster, the wine list definitely takes priority filling three of the four elongated pages. The wines available are classics for pairing with steak, including an emphasis on California cabernets and French Bordeaux. But these wines also run on the expensive side so if you're looking to save a little money from the pricey entrees I recommend going for an alternative red varietal or something outside of California and France. Almost every wine offered is an excellent selection so you can't go wrong no matter what you choose. Of course there are white wines available, which make a great pre dinner option to pair with an appetizer of oysters or melon and proschiutto, but most everyone comes to Sparks for the famous steaks, so you'll find that red wine is definitely king here!
(3)
Matthew D.
Nothing special in terms of the menu or its execution, and service poor.
(2)
Martin M.
Definitely overrated and living on reputation. Yes, it has a nice macho atmosphere and is ok for a boys night out, but the food is merely adequate. Nuff said
(2)
Ali L.
Power lunches, power dinners, power drinking, and most importantly, power eating. This place is scary it's so good. Steak isn't really my thing, but Sparks made it my thing whether I wanted it or not. (Maybe that's why the mafia likes it) Great food, unbelievable wine selection, and impeccable service. Go here when you're feeling (very) flush or when a wealthy relative comes into town.
(5)
LG L.
sparks is the bomb. serious contender for best steak in NYC. plus, there was a mob hit right outside the front door in the 80s or 90s. can't beat that. i've been here multiple times, had the strip multiple times (excellent) and the filet. highly recommended.
(5)
John W.
Whenever I read the reviews on a place I like, and consider "among the Best", I always feel like I'm having to defend my taste. You know, you scroll down, lots of 3-stars (fine, but for a place you figure has to be at least a 4)...the occasional near-blan thumbs-down ("NEVAR AGAIN!"-types, they're everywhere!)...and thats how I am about Sparks. By all accounts, this is the best steakhouse in Manhattan, barring debates about the Johnny-come-latelies. And I feel it deserves this reputation. Sparks serves truly wonderful steak: steak so good you don't feel rooked for having spent $40 on it. The sides? Think I mighta tried 'em, I've heard the creamed spinache is tasty. Other entrees? I dunno, I've seen people order the giant lobsters. Lighter eaters sometimes brave the fish choices (which, I'll admit, are reportadly excellent). The cocktails are big and meaty. Oddly, the ice cream here is the best ice cream I've ever tasted. Seriously, try it. But remember what you came for: a big, perfect steak. No, not the filet (ok, ok, I'm sure the filet is wonderful) -- the sirloin, or whatever they call it. THE steak. Come here, wear a suit, ask to sit in the Mafia Table if you're feeling frisky. Steak. Creamed spinach, perhaps. Cocktail, or wine. Vanilla ice-cream. And wear a suit -- it helps. Enjoy.
(5)
Kyle M.
The steaks here are simply unbelievable--tender, flavorful, and enormous--but remember not to eat so much that there's no room for dessert. Expect to spend at least $100 (and possible much more) for two, not including drinks.
(5)
james l.
seared? try burnt. not bad though.
(3)
Annie T.
The steaks just aren't what they use to be anymore. It tastes like rubber with a truckload of salt. But the staff is attentive and the atmosphere is delightful.
(2)
Mariana L.
Yes, you've heard of this one in many a NY gangster story. Don't let that distract you from the damn good steaks and fine old-world service.
(4)
Rahi Y.
Over sized steaks, not very attractive wine list, boaring decore and atmospher these are that I have to say first. But steak was cooked OK mushroom heads and asparaguswere nice. I am not recomend this place to ather friendsfrom SF.
(2)
Gary D.
I had heard this was the best steak house in the city when I decided to give it a try. Another reason I wanted to give it a try is because I had heard it was a famous mafia hang out and also the place where John Gotti had had Paul Castellano killed. So I made reservations for 8:00 PM with my co-worker Dave. We arrived 15 minutes early. The place was packed so we struggled up to the hostess and mentioned our reservation. We did not get seated until almost 8:45. We noticed people slipping the maitre'd cash and getting seated ahead of us... go figure. When we were finally seated, we were at a table where the wallpaper was peeling off the walls. The waiter all but ignored us. We had to get another waiter to bring us bread and water. I ordered a large ribeye. When it finally arrived, it came with nothing else on the plate. That is a D- for presentation. The meat was tough and not overly flavorful. I had expected more from a place with such a rich history and reputation. Oddly, I would go back again just because of the mafia fascination. But for a good steak, stick with Ruth's Chris.
(2)
T D.
Very New York with the steaks on their carts. Well executed steaks and fabulous wine.
(4)
Cesar G.
That place is huge, Good atmosphere. I had the Filet Mignon, asked for it Medium and it came out more on the Medium well side which kinda dissapointed me. The small tomato wedge salad and baked potato were delicious. Id have to try out the other steak houses in the area before i can say its the best place but this place was the bomb!
(4)
Saw T.
After reviewing a pretty terrible steakhouse that I ate at recently, I found myself reminiscing about Sparks. Since I no longer live in NYC, I don't get a chance to eat here much, but it's hands-down my favorite steakhouse anywhere and I've been to them all. Yes, even better than Peter Luger's as sacrilegious as that may sound. As the site of many birthday dinners or pretty much any occasion, I've probably been there at least 20 times over the years and it never disappoints. I think what's so remarkable about Sparks is its consistency. I've had some great visits to other places like Smith & Wollensky's, but also some pretty mediocre ones. Pretty much all of the starters, especially the shellfish, rock. If you're with a large group, especially if you're eating on someone else's dime, make sure to get one of the gigantic seafood platters. Or you could always go a la carte. The oysters are not to be missed - some of the freshest in the city. The jumbo shrimp cocktail and baked clams are also excellent. For entrees, Sparks is known for the sirloin, and that's pretty much what I always get. It's always perfectly cooked to order - medium rare - and has a tasty salt crust. As at other really great steakhouses, the steak requires no steak sauce or bernaise because the meat quality is just that good. All of the appetizers are really good, but my favorites are the asparagus, creamed spinach, hash browns and mushroom caps. If you somehow have a room for dessert, the cheesecake is excellent. As for the ambiance, the place definitely has an old boy's club feel. There aren't a ton of women here. The waiters are very old school. On occasion, even with reservations, I've had to wait for close to 30 minutes to get seated. I think it might be necessary to slip the Maitre 'd some $ to speed up the process.
(5)
David C.
your classic steak house with all the stuffy people and suits as far as the eye can see. been here many times only because my best friend loves this place and i like it also but the overall atmosphere for me is a bit tooo stuffy for me however the service there is top notch and they treat u like kings. with that being said, i prefer angelo and maxie's on park ave. had dinner there last night with 2 friends and we started out by ordering and sharing appetizers. we had the baked clams which were very good, the shrimp cocktail which were nice sized but very slightly overcooked but always a winner and i think a caesars salad. my two friend both ordered the sirloin which was very good and i had a lobster which was the size of a freaking new born baby! the claws were the size of my hands! and the tail was tremendous. we has the hash as a side and the creamed spinach which was a bit bland and tooooo watery. overall a good place to take a client to but not a date in my opinion.
(4)
ali l.
every time my dad comes to town, this is our first stop. the wine list is excellent, and the waiters are always very helpful and friendly, we always end up chatting with them all night. but of course the main attraction is the excellent food - i usually get the filet mignon, which is so good, plus i always have half of it to take home for the next day. the creamed spinach is a great side dish too, and we usually split the tartuffo for dessert. last time i tried the wild salmon (to mix it up) and it was amazing. i highly recommend this place.
(5)
Scott S.
Incredible experience! Went to dinner this past weekend while in the city visiting my brother. Knowing the history of the restaurant I'd always wanted to check the place out. After wading through the protesters out front I wasn't too optimistic going in. We had a drink at the bar while we waited for our table. The bartender (Trevor I think?) was great, he really should be a comedian! He recommended drinks and entrees and sights to see while we're in the city. Exceedingly helpful (and hilarious!). The food was outstanding too. I had the steak fromage and my partner had the Chilean Sea Bass. Overall an outstanding experience! I give it two snaps up in a circle! Big recommend!
(5)
Edward R.
The food, service and ambiance of this restaurant is what NYC brings to the reataurant industry. The service was impeccable. Our steaks were expertly prepared. The Vodka Gimlet I has (2) were expertly created. I cannot wait to return. Thanks for a great experience.
(5)
Tim N.
Excellent restaurant. Delicious food, very quick and professional service, and such a classy place. Will definitely be back again. Only reason I'm leaving 4 stars is because of the protest going on out front-but I'm sure this will all be resolved soon.
(4)
Scott W.
I have been here twice. Once with my wife for my birthday and once with a group of friends. The steaks were fantastic both times, though better the first time i was there. I was more impressed with the cocktails the first time I was here with my wife, but they were still good the 2nd time. Service was great both times. I would have given 5 starts if it wasn't for the slight inconsistencies in the food and drink. Don't get me wrong this place is on my list of favorite steak houses in the city but I will be going back to Keens or Peter Lugar's before I go back here.
(4)
Stephanie C.
If I were only reviewing the actual food and the service prior to being sat, this place would get a 5. No doubt. However, the moment we got our table, we experienced the worst service. Getting a reservation was no problem, which was great as my husband and I called the day before. We try to eat at nice steakhouses in every city we visit, so this was next up on the list in NYC. We rarely get away without kids and a nice evening with fine wine and great filets was eagerly anticipated. We arrived and were told there would be a couple minutes' wait, so we grabbed a drink at the bar. The bartender recommended an excellent pinot noir for me and my husband said his cocktail was mixed to perfection. Within 2-3 min, our table was ready so our bar tab was switched over and my drink carried to my table for me. So far, Sparks, you're doing pretty well. We were sat and quickly greeted by a server (not ours) who brought us water, delicious rolls with butter, and menus. This is where the restaurant quickly flew downhill. We look over our menus and make selections... still no greeting from our server. We chat a bit, finish our rolls, finish most of our drinks... still no greeting from our server. The restaurant is not crowded, there are many empty tables, and the servers do not seem too busy or overwhelmed. Yet, we are still not greeted. Finally, our server appears without so much as a "Hello," "How are you doing tonight?", or even an introduction. The first words out of his mouth are "Do you have any questions?" Umm... hello to you, too. Since we had plenty of time prior to that to make our decisions, we place our entire order from appetizer to main course and he disappears without another word. The appetizer seems to take a while to arrive but that could be forgiven, as it wasn't an extraordinarily long wait. During this time, though, we were never even brought another roll or checked up on-- we just sat there with empty waters and empty bread plates, waiting for food. Finally, our appetizer arrived and was placed by our server without much ado. It was delicious (warm lump crab meat and scallops... buttery heaven) and was devoured. Then, another wait began. Now, I understand that a large steak takes time to cook-- I'm okay with that. During that wait, though, we could at least have our server come by. The other server (who was waiting on tables nearby) brought us more water when our glasses were empty, but still no one offered another roll or even asked if we were doing alright. My wine glass was long since emptied and our server walked by many times without as much as a glance. Finally, dinner arrived. My husband got the fromage steak and I got a trusty filet mignon. It was enormous (far too large for any normal person to eat by themselves, but I'm not complaining), tender, and had a great flavor. A 5-star steak, for sure. The sides (asparagus and hash browns) were also good. As we cut into our steaks and ate our meal, our server again ignored us. Not once did he check to ensure that the food was cooked properly or that we needed anything else. We flagged him down at one point to ask for another glass of wine for me, but that was brought without another word. When we finally finished our meals, our plates were pushed aside and sat unattended for probably 15 min before the other server came to clear the table. During this time, our server waited on a handful of others around us but never once even cast a glance in our direction. After the plates were cleared, we sat. And sat. And sat. With a completely cleared, empty table. Another 10 minutes pass and the other server asks if we would like a dessert menu. No, thank you... we had decided to go elsewhere for dessert as this had been by FAR the worst service we'd ever experienced. My husband, who rarely has the chance to take his wife out for dinner, kept apologizing to me for the experience. During this time, our server walks past our table 4 times without looking at us once. It was honestly getting humorous, and we began to wonder if we were being filmed or something... surely this can't be the standard of service at this restaurant. Finally, 25 min later (yes, we kept track), our server appears and tries to hand us dessert menus, which we decline. He instantly walks away without a word, presumably to get our check. Nope. After he walks past twice more, I call out and ask for our check. He doesn't even acknowledge me. A different server sees this happen and talks to him- the check is brought. We pay, the receipt is signed, and nothing else is said to us. Honestly, I would have been appalled by this sub-par service if I were dining at a mall-adjacent Chili's. To pay $250+ for dinner and be ignored? Absolutely unacceptable. I'm not sure why we were treated this way but I will NEVER dine here again. The food is wonderful, but not at the cost of being treated like a second-class citizen for no reason. Sparks, you could have been our NYC go-to. What a shame.
(1)
Manny H.
Great steak, will return soon!!
(4)
Ili V.
Amazing steaks! Old school place and really friendly staff. Pricy though (50+$ for a steak without the sides.)
(5)
Samuel M.
Unfavorable steakhouse. There are many better options in the neighborhood. The service was mediocre. The steak was dry. Worst restaurant experience ever. Shun. Evade.
(1)
Azi N.
We had a work event here and I was so thoroughly disappointed with the food. On our menu was the option to order a filet mignon, and I ordered mine medium and it came overcooked. I sent it back and about 30 mins later it came back rare. Unbelievable that a steak house can't get the meat temperature right. On top of that, for the last hour or so of our event, there was no waiter around to replenish our water glasses. So disappointed. And so glad it was not on my dime. Never coming back
(1)
Gary G.
I was excited to revisit Sparks after a 15 year hiatus, my last visit was fantastic and it was during the prime.of this restaurant's existence. Unfortunately, when I arrived I was confronted with a picket line and striking waitstaff. After being heckled, I asked if my friend and I could eat at the bar and watch the Nicks game, we were told, "no". We were hurried to a table in a near empty restaurant. The staff was not trained and fresh on the job from the work stoppage. The whole situation was unfortunate. I ordered a NY Strip, medium, it was under cooked. The steamed broccoli was over cooked. In general, the food was a big plate of blah. I won't be returning to Sparks.
(2)
Patrick W.
Had to try at least once, obviously the landmark site of Paul Castellano's death. I think people flock here for that and the fact that it's that old money finance type of hang-out. Went for a friend's bachelor dinner. The home fries were tasty, the bufala mozzarella was decent, nothing to write home about. Not bad but I've had better from Iavarone Bros. and many other restaurants. The prime sirloin steak is their signature dish. It didn't blow my socks off but nonetheless, very satisfying and surprisingly tender. I don't think you'll be disappointed with a meal here but I think there's definitely many better places you can spend this amount of money at.
(3)
Jv's M.
It's nice and cozy great environment. The service was awesome no complication with the reservation. Everything was delicious and so yummy this is a place for steak lovers. And the appetizers are great
(5)
Kevin Jiseup K.
Wow oh WOW. This place needs some attention because... wait maybe it doesn't because I'm pretty sure it's owned by the Mafia and people were shot in that restaurant. Or so I was told by the team of Italian waiters who had clearly just moved from Italy the day before... or just had amazing Italian accents. So as you can probably guess, I found the atmosphere pretty captivating. They also have a bajillion paintings on their wooden walls. This entire time the restaurant was screaming, "Godfather movie scene." Either way. This steak house is a dime. All the finance people come over after their long days work for drinks at the bar and some steak. But on to the food... Had the Prime sirloin and my friend at the filet mignon. Got a bunch of sides including the hash and the mushrooms. Everything was a little salty but definitely fantastic. The steak was literally melting in my mouth. Dayum. However, this place is ridiculously pricey. But you probably expected that. Hey, it's Manhattan and... it's a steak house.
(5)
Victoria S.
The steak wasn't that good. It was a medium-rare cooked filet mignon on my plate. I didn't like how it looked when I was cutting it. It didn't look appealing and didn't stimulate my appetite. It was thick but it lacked flavour, zing and bang. The only bangin' thing about this place is the story behind it. The fresh strawberry bowl with whipped creme for dessert brought my spirits back up because I strongly believe they make their own whipped creme. It was well-balanced and didn't taste artificial at all. The restaurant still remains a popular eatery and has a unique place in New York Mafia history. But, not the best steakhouse in NYC in my book.
(3)
Baramee C.
I was super excited for steak. I was super excited for this place. And granted the food was good, but... Food: scallop & crab meat app - absolutely the best appetizer EVER! filet mignon - wasn't cut with a butter knife tender and the outside was seared a little much (charred-flavored) creamed spinach - wasn't bad, but not amazing - would probably order again asparagus - you can't just go wrong with steak house asparagus! sparks sirloin special steak - this is the way to go!
Had a birthday celebration at Sparks last night with a party of 12 and it was fabulous (despite a work action outside which actually had the opposite effort for me as it gave the place an exciting party atmosphere). We had drinks at the bar first and we're giving plenty of time to chat and have a couple of rounds before being seated even though we passed the time of our reservation. I thought the drinks were generous too. We sat down and immediately had 2 extra folks join us due a change of plan and they graciously moved us to a larger table without hesitation. The food was delicious and the only suggestion I have is that the portions are very large so you should check with the waiter about sharing some things. The jumbo chilled shrimp and fresh crabmeat made a great table share appetizer and then we shared Filets and a 4.5 pound Lobster! With sides of spinach, asparagus, baked potatoes and fried onions and Napa Valley wine it was absolutely awesome. We're going back next week.
(5)
John B.
Warm bay scallops/lump crab meat special but bay scallops not fresh maybe why they were warm..horrible for a restaurant of this calibre Steaks-- NY and Filet excellent Service very poor attitude as if they know better than patrons Will not come back
"The establishment where Gambino crime family boss Paul Castellano and underboss Thomas Bilotti were gunned down near its entrance in 1985." The hit was ordered by John Gotti Restaurant made famous by murder!, now go murder me a cow. I felt that the staff was really friendly and attentive but the food was average. I feel Peter Lugers was a lot better and the food came out a lot faster. It might have been the size of our party (20 people) that made the food come out so slow. Of course about 90% of the guys ordered the prime sirloin steak ($46.95) and we all agreed it was not Medium Rare like we ordered when It came out. I like my steak bleeding out the middle!! Also It took about an hour for all of our food to come out after we finished our appetizers. Speaking of appetizers, here is what we ordered on our half of the table Appetizers: Lump Crab Meat and Bay Scallops : Lots of crab meat and scallops cooked to perfection. This was one of my favorite appetizers ($25.95) Combination of baked clams and Shrimp Scampi : Only 3 shrimps and it was dry but the baked clams were breaded whole. I really enjoyed the baked clams! ($22.95) Oysters on the half shell. Ginormous!!! These were mutated oysters, but I'm not going to complain. Mutated Oysters = More Meat. Mmmm ($17.95) Creamed Spinach ($10.95), had very little taste and felt like we were eating baby food. Did not enjoy at all. At the end of the night we were full, but with the history surrounding this restaurant, I felt a little disappointed with the meal as I had high expectations! I wasn't blown away like Paul Castellano or Thomas Bilotti.
(3)
Jiho S.
Great classic steakhouse. Funny thing is they don't have that many steaks on the menu other than a sirloin and filet. I had the filet which seemed popular. Solid, although I felt it was more charred than I wanted. Lobster also seems popular here based on what I saw others ordering. Tomato and onions were disappointment for an app. I was hoping for large beefsteak tomatoes like you get at Luger's but they were much smaller and the onions were very thin. And I guess not everyone has steak sauce because when I asked he brought out a bottle of A-1! Shocker! Really not hard to get a table here. It's a large space and there are plenty of tables. I'd say 15% of them were empty on a Tuesday night.
(4)
Khanh L.
Coat check, long wine list, career waiters, steak house. This place has a dizzying wine list, by the bottle, catered to your expense account... The steak here was just average, the sides and appetizers weren't all that either. It's on the pricey side, and the waiter's got a chip on his shoulder. Career waiters tend to be very passionate and professional or condescending asshole, you can guess which one we got after you read the next paragraph... We had some people who didn't really like steak nor did they really like to eat raw meat, so they ordered medium-well and got medium-rare. What's the point of asking a customer how you like your meat cooked and then ramming medium rare down their throats? out of 5 people I was the only one who ordered medium and got medium, everyone else got medium rare no matter what they ordered, I told my friends to send it back, but they didn't... Not so tender for aged meat, horrible place, the food is bland, expensive and a poor excuse to sell wine.
(2)
Leeann C.
3.5 stars. Take this review w/ a grain of salt since I'm not a huge steak person, but I can enjoy a good steak once in a while. I came here w/ my bf for dinner and was already warned beforehand to not expect much in terms of the service -- after reading other Yelpers' reviews, I can say our experience was fairly consistent. We ordered the shrimp cocktail appetizer, prime sirloin, hash brown potatoes and mushroom caps. The steak was good, but could have used some barbecue sauce in my opinion. Overall, the food was decent, but not something to write home about. Maybe people go for the 'mobster' ambiance, but it's not my style. -L.
(3)
Phuong P.
Came here on a weekday for dinner. I have never been more disappointed with a steakhouse. Came in and was barely noticed. The place has an old school decor but was empty so we didn't have to wait. Our waiter was an asshole the whole time. Worse than what you would get at Peter Luger's. He looked at us like we never had steak before or something and rushed us. I ordered the sirloin medium rare and my date ordered the Medallions of Beef and for sides, just went with the creamed spinach. My sirloin came out first and was overcooked. It was OK but I've definitely had better. The waiters switched and got our order messed up bringing out a filet when my date ordered the Medallions. He insisted that this was what we ordered and left the filet on the table and went back to the kitchen to only bring out the Medallions. He didn't even apologize and took back the filet which he should of just left because it was his fault. The Medallions of Beef were bland. Moving on to the creamed spinach which tasted horrible because we couldn't taste the cream and it had an intense and bitter onion flavor that just topped off the worst night. We obviously skipped desert because we weren't gonna give this place anymore of our hard earned money. Left the place wasting a lot of money and the worst experience ever at a steakhouse. Would never go back on my own free will.
(2)
Janet B.
Love this place! The atmosphere is very classy, with a big wall of cigars in the back. It was a lot of groups of older gentlemen and a few tourists. The service was impeccable. We went as a big group, so we tried out several appetizers. Almost all of them were amazing except for the creamed spinach. Also the vegetables with the entree (e.g. sauteed mushrooms, potatoes, etc) were not great, so perhaps veggies aren't their forte. The shrimps and lump crab were fantastic. All the steaks were HUGE and absolutely delicious. The lamb chops were also great, tender and juicy. They did a butterfly cut, so it could be shared. They of course have an extensive wine list. The servers were incredibly attentive, and we really enjoyed our time there.
(4)
Joe Joe B.
I'd say this is my favorite steak in New York. Old school New York steakhouse experience. Save some pennies and come here to pig out on great steak. The fillet is always perfect, and all the sides are solid. It's pricey but worth it for a special occasion.
(5)
Reesie R.
This is a man's steakhouse. Okay, okay - just poking fun at the decor. Although it's priced like most of the major NYC steakhouse, I feel that you get very sizable steaks for the price. I actually couldn't finish my filet, which is a first. Don't expect any frills. The waiters are no-nonsense. The sides are basic. I had to add salt to my filet as it wasn't very flavorful. However, my boyfriend's prime sirloin had better flavor. Very good pecan and walnut pie. I think I need to check out other major steakhouses before I say I'm retuning.
(3)
Jessica Y.
To be honest we went here because my brother wanted to eat where Paul Castellano was shot, call it participating in part of NY history. The portion size is massive I'll give you that, my filet mignon was 14oz! I guess that makes me feel better for paying $54 for a filet. However, if I'm paying for $54 I would like my service to match that. Service was sub par at best, waiters weren't very friendly and never around. Part of fine dining is to have exceptional service to match the food, clearly this was not the case. Would I go back again, most likely not, this place was a one and done.
(3)
Prashant K.
Came here for a friends birthday a few months ago, and coming back for mine shortly. The steak here is my favorite, and I've been to most of the top steak houses in NY. The sides are good, the waiters are friendly, and the ambiance is perfect. I highly recommend this place for any steak lovers.
(5)
Jeff G.
Sparks was highly recommended, and of course when in NYC, you gotta do the steak thing for a night. Was it good? Yes. Was it one of the absulute tops and living to its reputation? No. Crazy as it may seem, the best part was the bar. Suprise! Old school cocktails and older school bartenders. Loved it... Moving onto dinner, the steak was tasty. Ordered medium rare but it arrived medium to medium well. Also had a caesar salad. Good that they gave me the extra anchovies that I asked for but waaayy too much dressing and quite medeocre. After dinner, back to the bar! Not many bartenders offer to shake up the tequilia with some ice. Was part of a somewhat large party. Service was suprisingly good.
(3)
Maya S.
Great service but overpriced decent wine list and average food (below average sides). Nothing was terrible, but for $150/person I would expect better than average!
(3)
Dina D.
From the moment you are greeted by the host, you feel the classic, upscale feel of Sparks. The dark wood and large-framed Hudson River school landscape paintings on gold and burgundy walls evoke a time gone by. The bar has quite a hopping after work suit crowd. Clearly, it's still a place where the good old boys do business meals and deals. On my visit, I got a steakhouse classic, the sliced tomato and onion salad. For sides, we shared the creamed spinach and hash brown potatoes. I got a filet mignon. My friend got prime sirloin steak. For dessert, I got the house special, strawberry Romanoff, a special cream made with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream and Grand Marnier. My friend loved his steak and the sides. My steak and salad were good. The dessert wasn't as great as I'd hoped it would be by the sound of it. But I highly recommend Sparks as it is a great steakhouse with a classic New York atmosphere and good food.
(4)
Sasha B.
I thought I'd been here before, but apparently not. I came here tonight with a client. The experience was similar to the other classic NY Steak establishments - see Keens or Peterlugers. All male wait staff, dressed in traditional white shirts, black pants. Great wine list. He recommended a great 2007 Stag's leap region Cab for just under $100 bottle, but it was amazing... The only draw back is they only offer 2 traditional cuts, neither being my favorites. They only offer filet and sirloin. I opted for the sirloin. It was very tasty, well prepared, but I do prefer a ribeye. I'd go back again.
(4)
Jane H.
We bought dinner from groupon. It was a good price for good quality of food and good portion. we had: 12 lbs lobster - soooo fresh and taste so good filet mignon - medium rare, was cook perfectly creamed spinach - so so, not too crazy about it sauteed mushrooms - oh yummy since they have excellent wine selection, so we order a bottle of Jordan cabernet sauvignon 2007. fantastic for the price we paid. p.s. bartender and waiter were very friendly and service is good.
(4)
Shar H.
You can still get a hearty meal at Sparks even if you don't eat red meat. I was there again with a friend this evening and still got a filling meal. I had their spinach salad which is HUGE (there was as much spinach as there is in one of those ready pak bags you get at the market). It was also finished nicely with sauteed mushroom slices and bacon bits. My friend had the sirloin steak, and I was impressed by the generous portion. I had a bite of my friend's baked potato as well. (The kitchen had even fluffed up the inside, and it came with a ginormous serving of sour cream and chives.) Delicious! It's definitely a place that serves quality items -- I could tell by the after dinner Earl Grey I got.
(4)
Leo O.
Came here for free with a group of people. Service was excellent. For appetizer I had the cold asparagus salad, filet mignon for main course, and assorted cakes and pies with tartuffo and fresh fruit. I actually liked the asparagus salad. They gave A LOT. The sauce was decent but nothing to rave about. The filet mignon was HUGE. I never knew it came in those portion size. The meat was relatively cooked to perfection considering the size of the piece. It was over seasoned though. The sides we had were hash brown potatoes, broccoli, and spinach. All those sides were so so and under seasoned. Spinach was plain and the size of the broccolis were huge, they should have cut them to more reasonable sizes. The house wine was just eh. If you want huge portions, come here. I wouldn't recommend this place unless you just want huge portions of food. They do have tons of private rooms for you to hold events though. In terms of their wine selection, it would be 4 stars. They have tons. Side note, this has got to be one of the largest restaurants in NYC. Two huge floors that I know of.
(3)
John S.
Three steaks, oysters and a Caesar salad ordered. Portions (Steak and Oysters) were very large and good, not great, but very good. I remember (Barely since I had more vodka than food), my friends not being really impressed with the service though. If service was better, it would be 4 stars. Definitely not a place to avoid. Perfectly good all around steak place.
(3)
Pat A.
When they say the best of the best. They mean the best of the best. This is old school Italian at its best. From the moment you enter, the warm, rich ambiance speaks for itself. The service is impeccable and the food is divine. It is expensive, but worth it. The salmon was the best we've had in years. The medallions of beef with bordelaise sauce was perfect. Cheesecake was old school and just like we love it. Loved every moment. A New York experience you won't want to miss.
(5)
Sad A.
This place is a great old school steakhouse. The filet mignon topped with roquefort cheese is amazing - will satisfy any steak craving. The sides were ok - not as great as the steaks Overall, great experience
(4)
Betsy L.
Total disappointment! We used to consider Sparks the pinnacle of steakhouses. It's been reduced to a tired cliche. We ordered apps which were great. Wine was great, huge selection. Steaks arrived - what was requested medium well, was very rare. The medium rare entree was easily pushing well done. Mushrooms were cold, not even warm. But the worst part was the service. We were seated about 50 feet from the waiters station. Every female that passed was given the eye up and down by the staff followed by comments. This is 2014, not 1950. We will never be back.
(2)
Holly C.
Typical steakhouse decor, great/friendly staff. We started off with raw oysters. The prime sirloin was cooked well to order (medium rare) and the broccoli that we had on the side was good. If you're a steak lover, it's definitely worth coming here.
(4)
Balroq O.
Sparks is the class of the field in steakhouses. Not a chain, one location, in the city, that's it. If you read the reviews of Sparks that give it a low rating, nearly all are from either California leaf eaters or hicks from the sticks who seem to think their local Ruth Chris or Applebee's is what a steakhouse is supposed to be like. Listen up Ma and Pa Kettle, your whining about your steak not being cooked quite right or the waiter giving you a little attitude, grow up. Better yet, go home, we don't want you cluttering up the place. If you like big drinks, big steaks and big personalities, come here. If you want your nose wiped for you and your hand held, get lost.
(5)
Bleep S.
Not for me...The steak was too chewy ...the sides were blah...blah mushroom caps...blah creamed spinach. Wasn't there a Mafia hit right outside Sparks? Probably won't happen again... If I want steak, I'll go to Peter Lugar.
(2)
scott r.
Went in this past week was really looking forward to it. The good was the filet,shrimp and oysters. The not so good was Creamed spinach was like soup, orange sorbet was tasteless and my son got ill aprox 2 hours after our meal. He was fine after he threw up. not sure if it was the restaurant or not.
(2)
alex C.
Classy steakhouse with some old school gentlemen charm. The staff here also serves you with the upmost professionalism, befitting of big ballers and rich businessmen who frequent this joint. The meats are delicious here. I had the lamb chops while my friends had the prime sirloin. Our server assured me that it would be the best lamb chops I've ever had in my life, and it was. I would highly recommend them to anybody coming here, because to me, the prime sirloins were just okay. Kinda on the chewy side, but I am much more of a ribeye fan anyway. All the meats are dry aged and seasoned extremely well. The sides were more fillers than something to write home about. Unfortunately, we were too full for desserts as those sirloins were massive--just look at the pictures. The service was completely professional, and our server was friendly and even goofy at times. I'm sure it had to do with us kids at the table, because everywhere else I looked in the restaurant, I saw tables of guys in shirt and tie ready to dig in. Sparks is completely full of businessmen during the week. Recap: great service, get the lamb chop, and don't come here to check out girls.
(4)
Joseph P.
I don't know how many times I've been here, but as my friends and I are currently engaged in a tour of Manhattan steak houses, I thought we should come back here to reorient ourselves, as I've always considered it the best. I'm pleased to say it is still the standard by which I judge all the others. To be fair, I've stuck with sirloin throughout all the various steak houses, so as to have a fair platform on which to compare them. None has achieved this standard yet. Peter Luger couldn't match it, the palm, porterhouse, all fell short. Ben benson's doesn't even deserve mention in the same breath. The closest I guess was Ben and jacks.
(5)
Bruce W.
Went there with 5 friends for my birthday dinner.. Awesome. My Porterhouse was cooked to perfection, sides were awesome. Wait staff was very friendly and fun. And to top it off, we got to watch the Jets lose to Tebow. Of course, I did a Tebow when they served me dessert, met some friendly patrons, fun atmosphere, excellent service to boot as well. I love Wolfgang's too, can't say one is better than the other.
(5)
Mercedes G.
Not as impressed as excited I was to go because their reputation my expectation was more then it turned out to be.Poor and old decor and bathrooms in their private room we had rented for 30 people. Steak was good but really salty, hash potatoes burned...more like side dish to breakfast eggs,greens and desert excellent but that's not what you go to steak house for especially at that price bracket.Not worth the money ,will try other places before going back.
(2)
Ben H.
I arrived in NY looking for a great steak place. My friend told me that his co-workers recommended Sparks (since it was known for being a local favorite place for steak). We started off with an appetizer - the oyster shooters. The oysters were really good and fresh. The steak, however, wasn't as great as I had expected (I had the ribeye). Don't get me wrong..it was good, but it didn't give me the, 'wow, this is a really good steak' type of experience. I personally like Peter Luger's and Wolfgang's better.
(3)
Mike X.
Took my wife to Sparks, for lunch..Place was pretty empty. We were seated at a table as soon as you go into the dinning area behind a partition....Could hear the help laughing, and talking loud, and cursing...I'll never go to this dump again....And the food was.like any were else in a high end restaurant in Manhattan. There"s a lot of other nice steakhouses in NYC....
(2)
Sandy V.
I am VERY disappointed my reservation has been canceled and with no explanation. I had planned this trip for a long time as a birthday present.
(1)
Robert P.
Never, ever again. 0 for 2 here. Awful service, beginning with the maitre d. Reservations are often ignored / delayed (fairly confident I saw cash palmed...) and food merely average. So many better steakhouses in nyc.
(1)
Rae D.
The hustle and bustle in this steak house was the only thing that was memorable to me. Oh... and the tartufo! I ordered the prime sirloin steak, medium rare. It was meh, especially for the price I was going to pay. There was just no flavor of the steak. I should have just bought the steak uncooked and cooked it myself. The side dishes were just as forgettable. The tartufo blew me away... so good! For those who don't know, tartufo is ice cream enrobed in a shell of chocolate. But the dessert wasn't that great in order for me to salvage this review to 3 stars...
(2)
remy w.
simply put, sparks is the bench mark for steak in nyc. service, quality of food, all 5 star:
(5)
Lori W.
Totally went all out on this one! Between the two of us we split the Filet minion, Lobster, and a bottle of wine. It was fantastic. The waiter was great! The steak was PERFECT! The smallest lobster we could get was still HUGE! lol. Also ordered potatoes and creamed spinach but didn't eat them as the main dish was so much food. Didn't leave any room for desert but we had cappuccinos and it was fantastic as well.
(4)
Chris S.
A-OK sounds about right for Sparks. I've eaten many a steak houses and this runs below average. We had tomatoes and onion and is wasn't anything special at all. I was hoping for a wedge salad but they didn't even have it on the menu. I had the Sirloin medium rare. They brought it out medium. This place is over priced and has the atmosphere of a casino floor in Atlantic City. I will say that the mushroom heads were very good. They seemed to be soaked in butter. There is nothing else special about this place. With all the steak places in NY I will never go back to Sparks.
(3)
kyle w.
Good steak, but the ambiance was lacking. Let's start with the highlight of the evening, the sirloin steak is phenomenal. The cut has enough fat in the cut to give it real flavor. They nailed a perfect medium well preparation, but they added a bit of a crispness on the outside which actually added to the texture and enhanced my experience. This probably ranks number 4 on my list of best steaks (In case you are wondering what my top 3 are: 1. Old Homestead, 2. Delmonico's 3. Peter Luger's). The hashbrown potatoes were a great compliment to the steak. The wine list was ridiculous... they have to have a menu 2.5 feet tall to fit them all on there. The restaurant is huge and they must do a ton of volume. It was packed (mostly with men... probably a 6 to 1 male to female ratio. So, women, this might be a good place for you to hang out) when we got in there at 8:00 on a Wednesday night. The clientele seemed to be touristy and businessmen. The ambiance was really pretty kitchy and a little rough around the edges, like they had neglected some much-needed maintenance. The service was fairly poor, we found ourselves waiting noticeably longer that we should have every step along the process. Overall, you should go to taste the steak. Everything else is mediocre. I won't be going back anytime soon.
(4)
Dana S.
Great food, but the menu wasn't really anything I haven't seen before from other steakhouses. Their wine list is impressive, and our server was very knowledgable and friendly. Lots of suits... I might return for a business dinner but not to socialize. As far as steakhouses go, nothing really sets it apart, but I did enjoy my meal and no complaints about the service.
(3)
Ari B.
I was here a few years ago for my dad's birthday. We had a big party, I believe maybe 12 or 14, possibly even 16 people. Just as all high rated, and even not high rated steakhouses, the place was very expensive. All I can say is that my steak was a bit dry, and I ordered a medium cooked sirloin. Maybe one day I will be back to give it another chance, but for now, if I want a fantastic steak that never disappoints, I would have to recommend Peter Luger's.
(3)
Brian G.
I had a great experience when I came here for dinner. For me, the appetizers were the best part of the meal, though the steak did not lag far behind. We started with lump crabmeat cocktail, Fresh Bufala Mozzarella, and hot Lump Crab Meat & Bay Scallops. They were all absolutely delicious. And as I was very hungry when we arrived, it was a relief that the appetizers came very quickly. The hot Lump Crab Meat & Bay Scallops were my favorite, though the others werent far behind. The mozzarella (served with tomatoes) was very fluffy, flavorful, and unique. I highly recommend trying this too. For the main course, we shared the Prime Sirloin and a Lobster. The steak was very salty. However, I have yet to meet a steak I didnt like and did enjoy it nevertheless. The lobster was cooked perfectly and served cracked and easy to eat without making a mess. If you plan to get this, bring your appetite as they start at 3+ pounds. The price only goes up by $10 for each incremental pound, so you can easily get a large lobster to feed 2+ people. Definitely check this place out. Its got a fun, laid back atmosphere, attentive staff, and good food. Hope your experience was as good as mine.
(5)
Kirk W.
Native new yorker who has been gone from the city for 10 years. I tell everyone who visits NYC to be sure to eat at Sparks. Was so happy to be back at my favorite steak house. However, I was incredibly disappointed in quality of food and service. My wife's water glass was empty and not refilled until we asked. I am sure this would never have happened in the past. The waiter only visited us one time during our dinner. The exceptional service I knew never showed up. We ordered the lump crab meat and bay scallops appetizer, 2 sirloin steaks, fresh red snapper, creamed spinach, sauteed mushrooms and hash brown potatoes. The snapper was over cooked and dry. The lump crab meat and bay scallops was tasteless and unseasoned. I remember that dish used to be drenched in garlic and butter. And the steak was burnt on the outside and unseasoned. I remembered the best thing about the sparks steak beside being a great cut of meat was the seasoning on the outside. Not sure if the seasoning is the same because it was all burnt. All in all it was a very disappointing dinner. Maybe it was the high expectations from years of great experiences at the restaurant but it sure didn't live up to my memories of yesteryear.
(2)
G O.
I don't need to go on about how amazing this place is considering the other reviews that are much more eloquent and descriptive. It is old school and awesome... yadda yadda. But, here's an important note that I haven't seen yet. Don't get the fillet mignon. It's not even in the same stratosphere with the Prime Sirloin. Get the Prime Sirloin, medium rare, a side of hash browns, and a side of asparagus. I guarantee it will be one of the 3 best steaks you've ever eaten (it is my top). So: Fillet = no. Prime Sirloin = yes.
(5)
Johnny E.
Never disappoints. This place has a lot to talk about besides the food if you know what I mean- if not ask. Steaks are great and the service is good. May have to deal with the wanna be crowd but it's worth it. I'm definitely a fan!
(4)
Jose S.
Big wine selection? Great steak! Capital grill beats it though. I would come here again.
(4)
Lisa B.
As a female, it's a bit intimidating. But, it's steak house, filled up with all the corporate boys...lol. The environment is classy and the food is excellent. Will go back again
(5)
Julie G.
It was the boyfriend's birthday and I took him to Sparks. All I can say is that this was the biggest filet mignon I have ever seen in my entire life. It was cooked perfectly and I loved every bite of it. The creamed spinach was OK (I've had better elsewhere) and the servings were kind of small. The wine selection is spectacular, but the cheapest bottle of red wine is probably $60. They even have cigars, which the boy had the luxury of enjoying as well. The meal was pretty pricey, but well worth it. We both walked out of there stuffed to the brim.
(4)
Tony P.
Ate there a few months ago. Great service. Good food. Huge portions. Interesting crowd.
(4)
Greg P.
This is my "go to" steak house in the City. The atmoshphere is what you would expect in a NYC steakhouse while the food is very good as well as always consistant. Atmosphere - yes, this is the place where Gotti gunned down Castellano and there still seems to be a "boys club, wise guy" atmosphere here. The bar is big enough to hold the large crowds that wait for their table - and this is the only reason i dropped it down a notch. No matter what time your reservation is, they still make you wait about 30 minutes for a table (and i have been here over two dozen times!). Still, the bar is always filled with happy people and always meet a few folks/characters as we wait. The wine list is really good - lots of very good selections for big/bold Cabs, ZIns and Merlots to go with steak. In addition, they have a large selection of Italian wines. The wine by the glass menu is very well thought out as well with various price points. Food - let me be honest, all i have had or anyone in my party has every had is the steak or the lobster. For the lobster, the other yelpers have done it justice - it is a huge lobster that the waiter will help you as much as you would like to de-shell all the meat. Always get great compliments on the lobster. For the steak - it is awesome! They have a pepper and seasalt crust that sears the juices inside of the steak - it really is one of the best steaks i have consistantly had! I usually get the Filet, but have split the Porterhouse with my wife if she dares skip the Lobster. The steaks are always cooked perfect and very juicy. The sides are typical steakhouse - we usually stick with the mushroom caps and creamed spinach. Both are really good and compliment the meal! For starters, we usually get their house salad which comes with their homemade dressing - its awesome and they have it by the bottle if you want to take some home (we always have a bottle in the fridge!). I highly recommend Sparks if you are visiting the city. It is consistantly good and is a great experience.
(4)
Mike M.
I would agree with the 3 1/2 stars. Had the sirloin which was cooked perfectly but was a little tough. I was surprised that a steak house of this magnitude lacked a porter house on the menu. I must say the service was exceptional. The appetizers were nothing special average at best for a steak house. The sides were not as good as other steak houses. There are better values in N.Y.C.
(3)
TJ J.
Nice, old style New York steakhouse. Busy and a little loud, but overall a nice atmosphere. I am from Kansas City. I know what great steak taste like. Sparks did a great job with my steak. I would highly recommend this place if you want some old school charm and some serious steak consumption.
(4)
Mikael N.
This is an old classic and it stills stands strong. I went here a couple of years ago and decided to go back and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I like the old school setting, the audience is older than usual, but the service is impeccable. The place has some interesting history too, so ask the waiter for the run-down! The meat we had was perfect. Both the sirloin and Filet Mignon was grilled to perfection and the crust they manage in this place taste phenomenal. Wine list is great, both for Italian and Napas. I suggest you take the New York cheesecake for dessert if you are into that. It was really good! Coffee is excellent too. Fuggedabait!
(5)
Marc M.
Sparks is part of New York City's glamorous mobster history and that gives it a cachet that other steak houses simply can't have, no matter the quality of the food. For the uninitiated, on a freezing winter day 25 years ago, Big Paul Castellano, then reputed head of the Gambino crime family, was on trial in federal court for various racketeering charges. After a long day in court, Big Paul decided to go to his favorite midtown steak house. He never made it inside. John Gotti, Paulie's rival, decided the sidewalk outside Sparks was the perfect place for a rubout and the deed was done. Big Paulie was getting out of the limo when he was rubbed out along with his dining buddies. Big Paul died a hungry man. And another bit of New York mobster glamour was born. Paulie's choice of restaurants was as good as his choice of occupation was bad. The prices are high but I venture to say that Big Paul probably didn't worry about that. The steaks are all tasty, rib eye and filet mignon are both superb.. The home fries are the best in the City. They are loaded with salt and anyone who likes home fries without loading them with salt is a not a real home fries afficionado. For dessert, try the chocolate cheese cake. . For those who enjoy eating where the mobsters go to their last meal, you used to be able to go to Umbertos on the corner of Mulberry Street. You can still go the original sight and see the word Umberto's engraved in the sidewalk (where Joey Gallo met his maker in 1972) but Umberto's has moved up the street and the old place was forlorn and neglected.
(4)
Megan M.
Best steak house in NYC (including Lugers in Brooklyn). I've eaten at Sparks more than 50 times, and it rarely disappoints. The steaks are amazing. The service is professional. I order the same thing every time - house salad, rare sirloin and hashed browns. Perfection.
(5)
Anne T.
We went for an anniversary celebration and it was wonderful. The sliced steak was tender and very flavorful. The Halibut Steak was fresh and grilled to perfection. The portions for both entrees were very generous. For appetizers the Ceasar Salad was okay, but the Grilled Shrimp was excellent. The dining room is very large with an old world steak house feel. It is pricey but worth it for a special occasion.
(5)
Emma L.
Very old fashioned steak house.... but where was the Porterhouse? Odd. Went straight for the meat and potatoes - filet, sirloin, both medium rare + hashed brown potatoes. Can't mess that up! (I hope). The steak was not as flavorful as I would have liked and the filet was not as tender as I would have liked either. Good potatoes... but again, it's hashed... and potatoes... nothing to sing about. It was just OK.
(3)
Midnight B.
I had a filet mignon here and was not impressed, the meat was tough and very hard on my stomach. The hash brown potatoes were excellent though and the ambiance is great, but for what you're paying you'd expect better meat. Everyone in NY recommends this place but my experience was just eh.
(3)
Ben F.
Sparks itself: In its own right is very pretty, old timely made me feel comfortable. FOOD! Filet Mignon: Not for nothing was one of the most delicious steaks I've ever had. Hash Brown: Again delicious, perfectly seasoned and enough butter to feel my heart valves shut just a little with every bite, had perfect natural crispiness on the side where they were browned. SwEeTTTtttttttttt. Creamed Spinach: tasty nothing else needs to be said. Their wine list is beyond sick, siiiiiiiiiiicccccccckkkkkkkkkk. This place would have received 5 stars but lost it because of 1 semi rotten apple, Our "server" i swear you could smell douche from the second you sit down, but Mr Douchey McDoucherson didn't show his true color until one of my dinner party saw this absolutely beautiful 31/2# Lobster and wanted to change her order to that..... Our second waiter who was a great well mannered gentleman the entire meal said "i can make no promise, but I will check the possibility of changing ur order." My super star of the night got the change made, and had our visitor from Ireland more then pleased. When McDouche alot heard he got the change for her, he loudly enough showed how un pleased he to our attention. Now i saw this as completely inappropriate, again customer service industry and its not the cheapest establishment make ur customers happy. He acted like he had to cook it himself, I was not pleased but not surprised by any means. Would I go back, maybe.....
(4)
Denise M.
SO tasty!! Loved the salmon and all the side plates we ordered. Nothing was as good as the dessert though- the ice cream tartuffo was amazing! This steak house is definitely worth visiting!
(5)
Amie R.
I went to Sparks last night and was so excited to try it after hearing many good things. Sadly, I was completely dissapointed. I love the old world look of classic New York Steakhouses, but Sparks just looked a bit musty and very dated. How often do they clean the dust off of all those old paintings I wonder? The wine list was very impressive. A friend and I ordered the shrimp cocktail for an appetizer, which was fresh ahd very good. For entree we both ordered the filet mignon medium rare with creamed spinach. My steak was completely overcooked (SINFUL!) and really just had absolutely no taste. I questioned whether or not to send it back as of course they would not be able to undercook it, but finally gave in as the steak alone was almost $50. Service was wonderful and they had no problem giving me a fresh steak. Unfortunately, the steak I got back was just so tasteless and uninspired. While VERY large, it just lacked....everything. These steaks are not juicy, and they don't "bleed". They are just supersized pieces of meat thrown on the grill. I barely even could tell if they had been seasoned. The bernaise was delcious but it's sad to have had to use it to disguise the flavor (or lack thereof) of the filet. Way too expensive for the quality. The creamed spinach was very boring as well. Service, however, was excellent! I'm glad to have tried it but definitely will not be back.
(1)
Kevin P.
Definitely not the best steakhouse in NYC. Luger beats this place in almost every aspect. Friends treated me to Sparks for an early b-day dinner, and I was very excited to try the supposedly best sirloin in the city. There was no wait when we got there, place was partially empty. We started off with shrimp cocktail and crabmeat cocktail. Nothing to brag about the appetizers. For entrees we ordered the sirloin (med rare), Chilean sea bass, and the beef scaloppini. The sirloin was good, but not the best. It's juicy and flavorful inside, charred on the outside, but too salty. The sea bass was overcooked, hence a little dry. The scaloppini was decent. We also had the creamed spinach, hash brown, and mushroom caps for sides. Overall, it was a very underwhelming experience. Personally I won't go back to Sparks. Del Frisco's and Peter Luger are still my top picks.
(3)
Tommo L.
I filled my belly with steak on a lunchtime last week. This is a straight forward no nonsense steakhouse, don't expect bullshit.
(5)
Mark S.
This is a man's steakhouse! Great food with an amazing wine list. I ordered the NY strip. For the first time in my life, I ate the entire strip. The marbling tasted like butter. The creamed spinach was perfect...not over salted like other steakhouses. I recommend making a reservation. If you don't you will be sitting in the bar for dinner. I also love any steakhouse that has MaCallan's 30 on hand.
(4)
Tanya T.
Best Steak. Best Fish. Fresh Salads. And the pecan/walnut pie is off the charts! Wine list, very extensive and affordable (imagine that?!). Kickass restaurant. More waitstaff should take lessons from Sparks on how to treat their customers. I am a female and feel very comfortable sitting at the bar and relaxing/unwinding after a hard day's of work. The waitstaff and managers are friendly, courteous and make me feel as if I am special each time I come in. Great place. I send EVERYbody to Sparks for a great meal, good wine and an overall brilliant experience.
(5)
Greg M.
At this point, I've been to a few of the major steak houses in NYC - Keen's, Peter Luger's, Ben and Jack's, Delmonico's.. I love Peter Luger's and I have to say that it is the best, but Sparks may be a close second. The place reminds me of an old steakhouse, 1960's style, where wiseguys gathered over a table to discuss their next racket. The food and service is outstanding, however. I ordered the porterhouse rare - and it did not disappoint - it was exceptionally tender and cooked to perfection.
(4)
justin w.
Tis the season for expense account steak dinners! (assuming, your company is doing massive layoffs or is bankrupt) This place is a great steak place to go, especially if you have a large group...(unfortunately, this is also a con because too large of groups here tend to be very very loud) Aside from the noise level, steaks here are sirloin cuts and taste comparable to strip house, (maybe a notch lower though) Sides are ok, but they are quick to give you bread! so quick even they give you rolls when you still have one on your plate.
(4)
Matt E.
Part of the appeal of Sparks to me is that i have convinced myself that some of the staff may have dumped bodies in the east river at some point in their life. Well, probably not, but it has become a joke amongst my friends and I. After all, Paul Castellano was shot outside this steakhouse so i'm sure it's possible :) Anyways - Sparks may be one of my first NY steakhouse loves. It's quite amazing. The filet is large, incredibly juicy, and cooked perfectly all the time. That is the only cut of meat that i have had - so i can't comment on the rest. And to be honest, the selection of cuts seems to be pretty small. They have an excellent wine list - lot of choices and very reasonably priced. You can get quite a few good bottles here between $50 - $80. I mostly opt for a bordeaux or a chateanueff du pape. What are Sparks weaknesses ? The appetizers and sides, in my opinion. I have had the smoked scottish salmon and the proscuitto with melon as an appetizer. The salmon was not bad, the proscuitto was not very good. Then again, i compare all proscuitto to Lupa, which is a high standard to hold it to. I also wish they had a few more options for side dishes with the steak, such as string beans, carrots, french fries, etc. Great steak and great wine - highly recommended. Just make sure there are no problems paying your tab..... you don't want to be in debt to this place :)
(4)
Sedef E.
This steakhouse is a joke, abysmal even. 1) No rib eye. Plus remaining options for steaks were amiss. 2) No sommelier. 3) Poured our own wine ($160 bottle - although price should not matter). 4) Manager was dismissive.
(1)
Vivian H.
I trekked out to this place for a work-related dinner and I found the fare pretty average. I dont remember much of the food, which basically implies that it wasnt that great. Its an average steakhouse with all your usual players. The thing is, I had a few colleagues that really did not like the steak encrusted with blue cheese. The overall complaint was that the blue cheese completely masked the natural delicious flavor of the steak. It was OK experience, however, dont think I will venture into the City again for this place.
(3)
Jeff C.
Great steaks but the waiter was rude to the point that we were scared to ask for anything.
(3)
Laura P.
I have to be honest on this one. I love my steak. And the steak I got, along with everyone's at the table, was burnt and nothing special. I should have known when they brought out the tomato and onion appetizer. It was withered and sad. I got a little misty at the sight. It smells good here, but that's the only good thing I can say. Goodbye $400. I will miss you.
(2)
Diane A.
Sparks Steak House was the location for my friend's grad school graduation dinner with the family and a few friends. I was excited to get the invitation. As expected, it is an elegant Midtown steakhouse. Steaks are great. Sides were delicious, too. I can't remember the dessert, but I think it was ice cream. My steak was more medium than rare (I had requested it the other way around), but I didn't want to be a wanker and send it back in front of all these people in town for a celebratory dinner. Otherwise, a fine meal.
(4)
Johnny C.
Ehhh, this place was good. Just not to die for omg best thing ever great. A steakhouse is a steakhouse is a steakhouse. To differentiate, you have to go bigger to impress. One day, I will find this utopian chi chi steakhouse! (Not to be confused with my rib eye review for the more everyday affordable Outback - I still stand by that declaration and five star review.) If you want to eat here without a reservation, be prepared to wait. I think I waited for over an hour with oodles of other people waiting for their table. When I say oodles, I mean oodles - enough people to make a non-claustrophobic person claustrophobic. On a more positive note, once we were seated, all was happy with the world. Still full from lunch, I opted for a smaller cut than I would normally order - the fillet mignon. So naive. The fillet mignon I received was like cow on steroids big. Though I can't complain, it was nicely cooked - just short of tastes like butter, melts in your mouth five star status. The sides were decent too - mushroom caps, creamed spinach, hash brown potatoes and asparagus. I was with a big group - we did family style sides. My high praise in this review has to go to the wine selection - it's awesome. My steak was perfectly paired with a Beaulieu - BV Georges de Latour Private Reserve 2004 Cab. Scrumptious. Beyond the food and wine, the other humorous part of the night was the genuine NYC native Sparks waiter. This guy was not shy about his opinions. I was having dinner with a Mets fan and the Sparks waiter cracked a joke the second we sat down. -Waiter says to Mets fan, "Do you know what the Mets stand for?" -Mets fan, "Uhm.....(pause) enlighten me." -(Obviously Yankee's fan) Waiter, "(M)Y (E)NTIRE (T)EAM (S)UCKS!" -The whole table, "Ouch." Brutal, but oh so entertaining. Another meal on someone else's dime. Being wined and dined by a vendor on a work trip is...nice.
(3)
Reba B.
We got the shrimp and scallops appetizer, two ginormous steaks, and a baked potato. The scallops were insane yum. The menu doesn't give the size of the steaks, only the cut. But you better be ready to eat. This steak is the size of a large kitten. I ate half. My boyfriend got closer. The wine list is ridic. They've got it all. honestly the shining star here was the appetizer. Yums. But ok, it kind of pissed me off because we showed up with a bag from the MOMA and we were clearly from out of town, and I get it, we weren't exceptionally dressy with me in a casual dress and the bf in shorts. But they sat us in a totally shitty area right in the bar. AGAIN, i know I've said it before, but we're having a very expensive meal right now. You need to seat us in a decent part of the restaurant. And the thing was the place wasn't crowded. It was like they sat us in a bullshit spot to prepare for a crowd that might end up coming. So ok, I am pointing out a deficiency, which makes me sound like a complainer. But we didn't ask to be moved because we are huge people watchers and we had the best view in the house.I'm just just letting ya'll know for future reference, if you do not want to sit next to the bar and eavesdrop on other people's conversations, you better show up looking as though you've got money to spend.
(3)
Yousaf K.
The Prime Rib was very underwhelming, and like a previous reviewer make sure to ask to have you steak cooked one up then what you normally prefer.
(3)
Ed P.
Great steak but not the best I've had! Scallops were fishy??
(3)
S W.
4.5 stars Had an 8:15 reservation on friday night. Restaurant was busy but not overly crowded. Tables were open yet we weren't seated until 8:45ish. This is where you lost half a star. I got lost in the wine list so just went with the house which was very good. The gf did the same. We ordered lump crab and scallop appetizer which was delicious. Very fresh and a nice light starter. I could've ate a lot more of this one. Onto the mains and sides... We got the beef medallions and went with the 3 lb lobster as well as creamed spinach and hashbrowns. The sides were both delicious and complimented the main courses very well. Beef medallions were cooked perfectly and very tender. The Lobster.... They wheeled it over to the table and i hear "you are the lucky winner" I just thought the waiter meant i got a good lobster. Nope. The waiter then says the chef wasn't happy with all the meat on this lobster. It is perfectly fine to eat, but give us another 10 minutes and we are going to wheel out another one of thes on the house. I ate the first one and it was delicious. Nothing wrong with it at all. Most restaurants would give you this one and that would be that. Right as I finished the first one, out comes the 2nd even bigger lobster. I was full but continued to eat the 2nd as it wa so good and cooked perfectly and incredibly tender. After somewhere's around 6 1/2 lbs of lobster I couldn't look at any other food and nearly had to take my pants off in the restaurant. Very impressed by this service here and although I probably had my lobster fix for the rest of the year I will be back.
(4)
Allie C.
This is by defnition a 5 Star Restaurant. My friend's parents had a dinner for him and all his closest friends. Reservation for 15. Really big restaurant. We were deep in the back. We had all the appetizers. Shrimp cocktail, broiled shrimp, baked clams, prosciutto with melon, asparagus, & mozzarella and sliced tomato. Our glasses of red and white wine were constanly being filled. Never less than half empty. Entree time. We all got something different so we would slice a portion and share. I ordered the Chilean sea bass for myself. I tried the medallions of beef, the red snapper, halibut steak, and wild salmon. Perfecto! dessert. huge plate of fruit, ice cream thingys, and whipped cream. Ughhh can you say OVERINDULGE?? Come prepared to pace your appetite. I knew what was coming so i made room for everything. Defintiely coming back for my birthday which is months away! Everyone knows this place is great. There were 2 other tables that sang HappyBday that night.
(5)
Terri R.
Sparks is officially my all time favorite steak house now. Everything was delicious- from the sirloin to the oysters to the hash brown potatoes. Only thing I thought was just ok was the creamed spinach, too creamy in my opinion, although it tasted good. We started out with drinks at the bar since we were early and I was happy they carried Hendricks Gin and had an extensive wine list. The bar was pretty busy but we found a place and the bartender was quick and took care of us as needed. I had heard it was mainly men who seemed to frequent the place and although there were a lot more men than women, it wasn't that significant. I saw a couple of tables with just women. For my birthday they brought out a slice of cheesecake with "happy birthday" on the plate in chocolate, which was scrumptious. Our waiter was attentive and genuinely nice. The history of the mafia shooting that happened near the entrance made for interesting conversation. Fabulous dinner in a Fabulous city!
(5)
Arie W.
I came with high expectations and left with much to be desired. This place had been recommended to me by a friend who had come to this place a couple years ago. Apparently it's lost some luster. She told me that this place was a bit stuffy, but nice. I got dressed up and when I got there, the crowd was a mix of business casual to extremely casual. The oysters were great, sides were average and the steak was good. The main reason for my 2 score (I would've given it a 3.5) was because the waiter was TERRIBLE. There was another waiter walking by who got us water and also got our waiters attention when we needed service. We were ready to order and our waiter would just not come to our table. He would walk by, I would wave him down and then he'd say in a minute and walk away. I overheard the other waiter tell him we were ready to order and our waiter said, "I'm not taking their order until this other table pays". My boyfriend ordered a sirloin steak, I ordered a filet. When our food got to our table, we had 2 filets. The waiter had made a mistake. The other waiter came by and said "Would you like the proper steak? It'll take about 5 minutes." Then our waiter ran over to our table and said "What happened? Oh, this isn't the right steak? Are you sure you want the sirloin, it'll take 20 minutes to make" Obviously he made another big mistake and I got the impressions that for mistakes like these, it comes out of their paycheck. I was so annoyed at this point. My boyfriend didn't want to cause any problems so he just agreed to eat the filet. When we ordered dessert, our waiter got that wrong too! I repeated my order at least 4 times to make sure he understood it. I asked for vanilla ice cream with the chocolate shell. He said sure sure, barely even listening to me and when he left I already knew I wasn't going to get what I ordered. The worst part was that he was so unapologetic. It really put a damper on the experience. I would've left him a $10 tip because that was actually more than he deserved and maybe he would realize the tip was based upon the terrible service, but I ended up giving him 16%. I will probably never go again, but if I do, next time I will send the steak back.
(2)
Kathleen C.
Went to New York City to celebrate my sister's 21st birthday and wanted to take her out for a really nice dinner. Kept hearing about Sparks being one of the top 5 steakhouses in NYC and I definitely wasn't disappointed! The host was kinda a jerk to us. We made reservations a week in advance and showed up right on time. Not sure if that is how he is or if it was because not one of us was over 26 -- doesn't mean we can't pay for dinner! I had to ask to be seated numerous times as they wanted us to get drinks at the bar. We were finally seated at a table without any tablecloth or dishes, etc. which was weird. Appetizers/Salads: We ordered a crabmeat cocktail and a shrimp cocktail which were great! I would have skipped the shrimp cocktail knowing how great the crab was. And thankfully we noticed how HUGE the salads were so the 4 of us shared a mixed salad and a caesar salad. I had mixed and it was exactly what i wanted. Entrees: 2 Filets for the men -- they said they were fantastic. No complaints at all. Seabass for me and the lobster/shrimp combo for my sister. My fish was fine. I tried my sister's dish which was amazing! I would definitely get that if I ever went back. Yummy! We got broccoli and has browns to go with the entrees, which we definitely couldn't finish! And had 3 bottles of wine to quench our thirst through the long (2 1/2 hour) meal! Our waiter was great and wasn't rushing us to get out of the table as we finished our wine. Bill came out to be $430 without tip but was definitely memorable and great service (minus the host).
(4)
Andy P.
One of the great steakhouses in America. Italian style. Class, fantastic sirloin. Absolutely amazing. The best steak I ever had was at Sparks. Mind you, I've been about a dozen times, the food has been up and down. However, the high points were tremendously high and the low points were not particularly low: a surly waiter, waiting when we had a reservation, hashbrowns too greasy one night... whatever, it's not that important. A better illustration about this place is how I first got there: I was on a flight back from my first trip to Europe. I had a 5 hour lay-over in NYC. I was in my early 20's and in a band... long hair, looked dog-tired, plane grade clothing... with my lay-over, though, I knew what I wanted to do. It was December 29th, I think... I told my cabbie at the airport, take me by Rockefeller center and then to Sparks. He did. I walked into Sparks at 3pm. There was no one there. I looked like Pete Doherty at 5am on any given night... I said, "it's just one of me". They were happy to seat me, no problem (even though I'm sure I was in ripped jeans and a leather jacket). I asked them, "what's the best thing you've got?" They said, "the sirloin". I got it. My life has never been the same. Sparks rules!
(5)
Parisa S.
Good, but I prefer Del Frisco's on both a quality-of-food level, and ambiance. I am also put off by the fact that I have waited over 1.5 hours for a table, despite having a reservation. In my opinion, that's totally unacceptable. If you can't seat me ontime, it makes me question the rest of your operation... Anyway, my steak was just OK. My sides were just OK. Can't really point to anything outstanding, except for my wine. They DO have an extensive and very good wine list. I know this partly thanks to the hours I spent at the bar instead of at the table that was supposed to be reserved in my name. Also, I'm not a huge fan of the ambiance at Sparks. Very old school, very fat italian men with a pocket-full of cigars. Very looks-like-the-inside-of-a-cheezy-Vegas-casino decor. And watch out for the Cougars. Not so much, Sparks. Not so much.
(3)
Gracie-C Y.
It's an old school steakhouse. The kind of place you would imagine your wealthy grandpa going to decades ago. Nothing fancy on the menu, just steak, steak, and steak. Tuxedo-clad waiters were a bit on the slow side, but they were knowledgeable... about steak. The meat is well-aged and flavorful. Not as good as Peter Luger's in Brooklyn, but it'll do ya. Desserts were boring. I'm pissed about their coat-check policy. They charge $1 per coat. A dollar per coat! After dropping almost two-hundred bucks on dinner, you'd think they wouldn't nickel and dime you on the god-damned coat check.
(3)
Chris G.
Great steakhouse, expensive but definitely has a charm. It is old school, a men smoking cigars and drinking scotch kind of feel. It's main claim to fame is for being the spot Paul Castellano was gunned down by John Gotti. I would say it is well worth occasionally, but isn't a place you'd be going back to on a constant basis. This is a placve you do not pour steak sauce on the meat. You dont change a thing when it arrives at the table!
(4)
Haib B.
Been there 2 times. (last time was Oct 2008). Amazing steak. Among the elite if not the best (I have yet to try Peter Luger). You get what you pay for. Fantastic 5 star service and 5 star food. The restaurant has this authentic old New York feel. You simply can't help picturing old and new celebrities, political figures, and everyone in between dining in there. And the wine list is dizzying. This place is great for any occasion, business meetings, date, family gathering or just a casual meal.
(5)
Paty R.
One more time the sparks is the best steak house in the world, my dinner was very good tonight. the dessert was the best and amazing part of the night a really good taste and beautiful decoration like always that is the reason I like to come here every time!!
(5)
Tim D.
Besides The Capital Grill, this may be the best steak house in New York. The classic old world decor translates well with the power players of Wall Street or other titans of business that frequent this historic steak house. I had medallions of beef - absolutely out of this world. Layer after layer of flavor; each complimenting the previous. The staff is as professional as you can get! The wine selection was more than adequate. They have a room in the back that's perfect for a more intimate setting for you and twenty of your friends or colleagues. Do yourself a favor - GO!
(5)
Garrett P.
Much better experience last night; went with a corporate crowd and had very unfussy, and suprisingly prompt service considering the group. The issue I had with the last steak (read: line of gristle running the entire length) wasn't there this time. Also, I'm fairly certain that one of the main ingredients in the creamed spinach is salt. Other than that, all was great. Just don't go around the corner and do shots for the rest of the night after you leave. That never ends well.
(4)
Benson B.
I need to revisit Sparks Steak House. When you ask a New Yorker to name their favorite steak house, there's an 80% chance they will say "Sparks, it's amazing in Sparks" My BF took me to Sparks for his birthday (haha) and I was so excited to see what the hype is all about. Right after work, everyone's like "so what are you doing tonight...." I told them I am having dinner at Sparks and everyone totally pumped me up even more saying how unbelievably good is it there!! I got there, great "family oriendted" atmosphere, great service... we ordered apps and I got a filet (wasn't feeling the porter house that night)....my filet was sooo dry and not at all tender. I was so upset that I wasn't enjoying my meal so I just kept downing my Kendall Jackson. That kinda made up for my not-so-tasty dinner. I do believe in giving second chances. I need to make another reservation pronto.
(2)
Russell W.
Superb service, so-so food. We ate early, were seated promptly, and were well attended to. We had caesar salads, a sirloin, a veal chop, mushrooms, and berries for dessert. The salads were innocuous, probably on a par with The Olive Garden. The veal chop was quite good; the steak, ordered medium rare, came out rare. The mushrooms were OK. The best part was the berries. The bill: $200. Fortunately, we had a gift certificate. Otherwise, we would not have gone.
(3)
Pasquale R.
In my endless pursuit of finding the right steakhouse, I think I found it. The food here was really good. Steak was so flavorful! Had the lump crab meat with scallops as an appetizer, so tasty! Split that with a friend along with their Buffalo Mozzarella. It literally melted in your mouth. Did get a side of mushrooms and potato's. Do not recommend the potato's. The service was top notch. Went a little early to avoid the crowds but it got busy fast. Highly recommend it. For anyone that says it's the most reasonably priced steak house is mistaken. It does get pricey. If you get a steak and an app along with a couple of alcoholic beverages expect to pay...a lot but well worth it. Definitely on my list to return to.
(4)
Anthony C.
The filet mignon was much better than what I have had in places like Peter Luger or Old Homestead. Sparks also does not have that musty smell you find in a lot of the old steakhouses which I find gross. The menu has a good variety of appetizers and non-steak options, and there are like 8 party rooms if you have a big group as this place can seat A LOT of people very comfortably. Added bonus: you can count the number of "escorts" for fun!
(4)
Ric T.
This is my favorite place in New York City to have a steak. Serious portion size, amazing appetizers and terrific sides. Unlike Peter Lugers this place has alot more to offer than just a slab of charred beef. Went a few months back for a cousins birthday. He and my other guest both ordered fish entrees. Both were amazed at the freshness and quality of what was served. My Filet was to die for and the generous appetizers left me walking out of this place feeling as though i was the size of John Candy. Would recommend this place over all the others.. The only downside is the price. The price of our dinner was close to 400 bucks if not more with tip. We barely even had anything to drink..Drinks at the bar are ok and the place could use some sprucing up. Definitely a good place to have a reunion with old college buddies or for a business deal. Wouldnt recommend taking a chick here unless she was some sort of animal... If your girlfriend resembles a grizzly bear well than you may just have to take her. For the most part girls wont be as impress, dont count on getting laid by taking her here. Stick to some of the more trendy downtown restaurants that have sucky food but cool atmosheres. SHit give her a roofie and a strong cocktail and save your self the 300 meal tab.
(4)
Bradley N.
FIrst off, I wanted to say I created a yelp account here specifically to post this review in hopes to save someone from going to this sorry establishment. We arrived for a friends birthday and were seated quite quickly. In a restaurant like this for however much you are paying, one would expect the service to be spot on. Our server forgot to take one of our guests order then ran off no where to be seen for 15 minutes. The creamed spinach had crunchy grains of sand in it. One of our guests had a Caesar salad that probably had 4 entire bottles of dressing in it. When we addressed our server he said oh he will go check on it. I then had to wave down another server to find ours and that server said, oh I am your server now because the other guy's shift was over. The Steaks were nothing to write home about either. I think this place is a gimmick and a poor excuse of a restaurant. Save your time and money.
(1)
Brad B.
Took a group to Sparks for a business dinner. Had the sliced steak which was excellent. Other entrees in the group were also very good. Baked potato was pathetically small for 8.95. Would still have given Sparks four stars except for the inattentive and arrogant waiter. Service was incredibly poor for a restaurant that was this good and expensive. When I complained on the way out to the manager, we all had the sense that he must have been the waiter's brother -- he could not have cared less. I eat at a lot of nice restaurants and am usually not offended by average service but terrible service is hard to put up with. I gave my lowest tip in years at this restaurant and still probably gave too much.
(3)
Arthur O.
One of the most entertaining dining experiences ever. One of my out-of-town friends insisted that he get his steak well-done, and our waiter really laid one into him. He pulled all stops, calling him a pussy, not having a dick, etc, and then despite the fact that he ordered his steak well-done, still gave him a medium. Haha, pure entertainment. Some of my friends tried the Steak Fromage and they liked it. I don't like to mess with my beef, so I went with the Prime Sirloin Steak medium rare and they did a great job. One of the best in the city, I have to say. It's huge and expansive layout reminded me of the Chicago steak joints, that old-school image of hefty men in their suits and ties dining with their similarly hefty lady friends. Old school. Waiters full of character. Something like an upper-class version of Luger. Solid no.3 or 4 on "The Steak Club: NY" List yelp.com/list_details?li… .
(4)
Geoffrey M.
I was walking up 46th Street on a cold January night a couple of years back seeking a decent meal somewhere away from the Times Square Hotel my company had stashed me in. I looked up and realized that I was standing in front of Sparks, The place where big Paulie Castellano got whacked. I took it as sign. The guy on the door looked "New Yawk" hostile..oh what the heck...I went in. The place was medium crowded on a Tuesday so I asked if a single could eat in the bar...I could. The place clearly wears its rep as a wise guy hangout proudly with very brassy masculine ambiance That was kind of comforting on a cold winter evening. I settled comfortably in the bar and checked things out. I wouldn't know a gangster if he walked up and shot me but there sure seemed to be a lot of guys in there trying to look the part. After a Dry Martini, I had a great bone in Rib Eye with the usual steak house heart attack accoutrement and some great red wine. It was tasty high quality beef, cooked precisely to order and generously sized. The bartender who served it seemed genuinely pleased to chat with me breaking from the New York stereotype completely. I lingered over a brandy and people watched. I walked back to the Marriott Marquis in a lightly falling snow feeling well fed and satisfied. I slept well. Would I make a point to go back? Probably not ...but it was a great meal and a memorable experience
(4)
Michael L.
Great old school NYC steakhouse. It's been a long time since I ate at Sparks, went back last night and was not disappointed. Excellent filet mignon cooked to perfection. I must say they make one of the best steakhouse shrimp cocktails I've encountered. Butterflied and cooked perfectly with a good spicy cocktail sauce. Also had the scallops and lump crab meat appetizer. It was good but the shrimp cocktail is the better choice. Creamed spinach and German style potatoes were great, the side of asparagus was okay, probably should've gotten hollendaise for it. Dessert was very good I had the chocolate mousse cake and a double espresso. Overall a really cool classic steakhouse with great food. Pricey of course, but what good steakhouse in NYC isn't.
(4)
J R.
With exception to Paul Castelano I cannot imagine anyone finding fault with Sparks. It's what a steak house should be.
(4)
Kirun M.
A couple of my coworkers highly recommended the food at Sparks, so I made a reservation for our dinner group of four. We go big or go home. We aren't stingy and we like to enjoy our food AND our experience. Sparks delivered (mostly) on the food department. Service was almost an epic fail. Let's start with what we ordered. A magnum of Cakebread Cab. It's not a cheap bottle of wine, folks. You'd think this would clue our server in to the type of customers we'd be. The guy was clueless and not the least bit helpful the entire evening. When we asked for any recommendations he could not deliver. By the time I walked out of there I wanted to beat him with the empty wine bottle. Still do, in fact. For appetizers we got the crab and scallop bake, broiled shrimp, and an entree order of the shrimp and lobster tails. Our selection of starters was amazing. Everything was buttery and delicious. For dinner I ordered the Filet Scallopini per the recommendation of my coworker. It's a generous serving of filet medallions covered with mushrooms and red bell peppers. The bell peppers were sweet and so tasty. But the dish as a whole was too salty for me and the meat was not medium rare as I had ordered it. It came out more medium. Even still it was moist and easy to eat. One of my friends got the filet. That is what I should have ordered. Fortunately I got a bite of his. It was delicious. Perfect, almost. Except for the hunk of fat they leave on the meat. The portion of the filet that is meant to be eaten, is divine. Best dish of the night. The second best dish of the night was the lamb chops. Great seasoning and flavor but fattier cuts of meat than I'm used to. Didn't love the fat. The third best dish of the night was the sirloin. The amount of fat on this piece of meat was the way it's intended to be eaten. I thought the flavor was excellent. I never order sirloins, and probably never will. We got a side of hash browns, steamed broccoli and asparagus. And dessert. We also got dessert. The truffle cake was like eating a piece of truffle. I had the smallest bite and really enjoyed it and I don't usually eat chocolate. We also shared the tortuffo (which was just vanilla and chocolate ice cream in a chocolate shell) and the berry dessert with cream. I liked the fruit dessert best. I am annoyed that despite spending close to $200 per person before tip that we got such shitty service. I would recommend saving your dineros and going to Delmonico's in downtown, instead. They know how to treat you!
(3)
Ed M.
If you don't mind spending money, this is a great place to eat. It's also notorious for the mob boss that got gunned down in front some years back, but, hey, what's a little ambiance. Good pours of the wine, great selection. Food is exceptional and they only used the best. You're going to pay for it, but it's the best in every aspect. The wait staff are nothing but top notch professionals. Have a special lunch here from time to time when I'm in town and want to catch up with some good friends. We have been here many times and never have been disappointed. This week I had the swordfish. Excellent!
(5)
Tammi J.
Had dinner with a group here last night and thought the food was excellent! The portions are huge. The staff was extremely attentive to us. I would definitely recommend this place.
(5)
Emily R.
Super interesting crowd and old-school atmosphere. Came to Sparks with a group of clients, who happened to be mostly female. It's like the doorman had never seen a woman walk through those steakhouse doors before. They were going absolutely ballistic, sweeping us over to the bar and pouring wine for us with a sense of absolute urgency. I looked around, and noticed that nobody there was under the age of 55 - a lot of suits, a lot of bald heads. We went to take our table, and as we walked by, someone commented "Should I ask who's getting married?" (ie, the only reason so many chicks would come to this place is if they're at a bachelorette.) It was kind of crazy, but didn't really bother me, as the novelty value was off the charts. Old paintings on the walls, white tablecloths, mafioso-esque staff. This place was not messing around when it came to keeping up a nostalgic atmosphere. Drink service was slow initially, and this is not the place to order any type of custom cocktail - whiskey - rocks, or a bottle of red. Once we got our first round, we started in on ordering...everything on the menu, in typical steakhouse fashion. Fried clams, mozzarella salad, asparagus, creamed spinach..the list goes on. It was all decent, nothing stood out as tremendously unique or even remotely different from what you'd get at one of the dozens of other steakhouses in NYC. However, the steaks were definitely quite the production. They come out on an old wooden cart, and are the approximate size of your head. Absolutely massive. None of us could get through our order, and everyone took over tons of leftovers for extra-bougie steak salads the next day. We stayed for 3 hours and weren't rushed in any way, which I appreciated. If you're looking for a super-old school vibe and extra-expensive spot to celebrate in a carnivorous way, I'd recommend it.
(4)
Simon B.
My father and and uncle have been coming here for years. They love it. Unfortunately I don't. This place sadly died and withered away with the 80's and 90's. I've came here plenty of times as a child and I enjoyed it. Recently how ever I decided to celebrate my birthday here. Bottle of Moet Rose, Filet Mignon. My favorite combination ON THE PLANET. The steak was well cut and over sized as expected. The taste? lol undersized and non existent. The service was ok. The staff reminds me of the "Snooty" Server from "Chez Quis" (Ferris Bueller's Day Off). LOL So over all not coming back my dad can keep coming here with the rest of the old timers. I'm going to Peter Lugers. Or one of the 1000 other steak houses that aren't just a time capsule. (seriously renovate the place, it wouldn't hurt you know) It looks like a left over set from "Gotti" cut it out.
(3)
Bill F.
Sorry it took a while to update, however, it's been a busy few days. Both my client and I ordered the NY Sirloin, it was seasoned to my liking as I asked our server (Elvis) to ask the cook not to overly season mine, it was as requested. We ordered medium rare it was a bit closer to rare, no problem I can eat steak rare as well. The steak was a bit chewy, however, it's the nature of the beast (pun intended.) When you have a "shell steak" I cut meat for a number of years and that's how we termed it back in the 60's "shell steak" not NY Sirloin or strip is a bit more chewy, one can order a fillet Mignon if they want it like butter. Also, this may result from the wet aging vs. dry aging process. Additionally my steak was not as well marbled as "Prime" should be. All in all it was still a hefty portion and enjoyable. The wine was a solid pour and our sides, asparagus and home fries were fine, maybe just a bit too much of crumbling with the potatoes and not enough solid cuts of spuds, but this is admittedly nit picking. The place was essentially empty on a Thursday from noon to 1:30 pm but they are packed at dinner. Perhaps the fall in lunch trade has caused the rise in price. All in all I enjoyed the company of a friend and client and the food was fine. I asked if Steve was there, but I guess not in that he didn't come to the table, perhaps we can met some other time. Let me go back a bit Elvis was great, as I said in my initial post I'm not a fan of the surly old waiter, Elvis was attentive without being intrusive and made sure we had everything we needed. Thank you Elvis!
(3)
Lotus K.
meh. filet mignon was bland much like the black label burger at minetta. the only two things i enjoyed were the hash browns and the cheesecake. i'd rather dine at peter luger's any day. will not be returning.
(3)
Kevin B.
Did i walk into a restaurant or steak heaven? This place is the classic New York City steakhouse. From the wine list to the tuxedo'd waiters, the place screams old New York. Above all else, the food here is impeccable! They only serve two cuts of steak, filet mignon and sirloin, but they do execute them so well that they don't need anything else. I hear they also serve lamb chops, but I come here for the beef...and the lobster isn't too bad either. I highly recommend the sirloin. It's what I compare every other steak to. Obviously, you shouldn't be stepping foot in Sparks if you're struggling for money. But, if you can afford it or want to save up for a great dinner, then Sparks is the place to be. For those mafia freaks out there, Sparks was also the site where Paul Castellano was gunned down in the 80's. See! This place has something for everyone!
(5)
Naijia H.
Ok so I don't know why people are hating on this place. We went on a Friday night when it was crowded, and felt pampered the entire time. At the bar, the bartender was professional (perhaps a bit curt, but hey, it's new york) and the hosts were gracious. Our waiter was super nice and so good to us. We each had steak and shared a lobster. Having it cracked for you is a treat! Sure, it was an expensive meal, but hey. I had a great time and would go back. It seemed like everyone was having a great time there. There was a table with a bachelor party, a lot of couples on dates, and of course your typical business dinners. I didn't feel out of place though.
(5)
Mike S.
Excellent food good ambiance
(5)
Robert C.
Was here on a busy Friday night with a party of six, and the place was packed, with a healthy line waiting for a table. In summary, the food was very good, steaks were delicious, and the wine list extensive and reasonably priced. Other issues were distracting, but were not major. We shared a drink in the bar while waiting for our full group. This is a comfortable space, old world bar, with a wall full of cigar selections. Drinks were small but honest. They seated us at a table located awkwardly in the center of the room, and the outside seats were in the way of waiters and diners alike. The passage of the dessert trolley required temporary relocation of two of our party. Appetizers of crab and shrimp, and mozzerella and tomato were fresh and delicious. Considering there were six of us, might have expected the waiter and kitchen to deliver six, rather than four tomato/cheese slices. Everyone ordered steak, and three of the six had to be sent back for some more time on the grill. My sirloin was terrific when it came back properly medium rare. Sides of creamed spinach, mushrooms & onions, and new potatoes were delicious, but small for a party of six. We shared a couple of bottles of Chateau Montelena 2009 and Paloma Merlot of the same vintage, both priced just about 2x retail, which is a very nice break from typical Manhattan markups of 3-4x retail. The waiter worked his butt off, handling 40 seats at one time - a bit much considering he had no bus person. We had to beg for water refills and timing between his visits and our courses lagged a bit. Dessert - fresh fruit and some cheesecake slices - was as yummy as the rest. Would like to try this again on a weekday night, as the food and drink were AOK, and pricing was reasonable for NYC
(4)
Mona T.
I usually don't write reviews, but I had to let everyone know that the food & atmosphere was great! My favorite item on the menu is their PECAN PIE! It is literally the BEST I've ever had in my life and I'd like to say I'm a pecan pie connoisseur!
(5)
Paul K.
If this place was good for the Wise Guys than it is good enough of for me. Great steak great salad and great mushrooms.
(5)
Heather M.
It's a quintessential steak house, that is for sure. One point for the classic dark wood atmosphere. One more point the steak - my sirloin was perfect. It's really all about the steak anyway, so you can take the rest of this with a grain of salt. One and a half stars for the best Caesar salad that I've ever had. Points off for the sides. Creamed spinach was pretty good, but the potatoes were eh and the mushrooms were bleh. I also did not really care for the baked clams, normally one of my favorite steak house appetizers. The crab meat was pretty awesome, though. Overall, you'll have a nice time, you'll enjoy your steak, but you probably won't be blown away. Next time, Luger's.
(3)
H D.
Come to this place with high expectation. Not sure why everyone said this is the best steak place. For me, this is the worst steak i have in my life. The meat (tried all of the meat on the menu) has no taste whatsoever. The sauce and steak just don't mix. The service was good enough so I give this place 2 stars.
(2)
Mandy L.
There are so many great steakhouses in NYC, don't bother going to Sparks. Biggest problem was getting the temperature of their steaks right. In our party of 6, most of us complained that the steaks were overdone. My husband's prime sirloin steak came out medium-well when it was supposed to be medium-rare. I asked for medium and I got very well-done. Major points off for that alone. A friend did not finish his filet mignon because it was too salty. My sliced steak, which was really too chewy, also seemed rather heavy on the salt. They also don't have a rib-eye or a porterhouse option on their menu. I also did not appreciate our aloof waiter.
(2)
Marc F.
I wish I could give half or quarter stars, because this place is just below 4 stars, and it wouldn't be fair to give this place a mediocre 3 stars. Sparks would deserve a full 4 stars or probably even 5, except the appetizers, sides, and desserts are very mediocre. But you come for the steak, right? And the steak they do very very well. Get the sirloin, don't waste your time on anything else. Judging on the steak alone, Sparks is up there with all the top notch steakhouses (Captial Grille, Wolfgang's, etc.)
(4)
Sam J.
A delicious steak in an elegant setting. Professional service. EX-bleeping-PENSIVE.
(4)
Michael S.
Eh. Honestly mediocre but a nice old school restaurant. Salad drenched in dressing (which was hardly fresh or particularly good), wines by the glass choices more suited for a middle America chain restaurant and an over cooked and over salted sirloin. One saving grace was a nice and impressive wine list, including half bottles. It was a celebratory meal for my wife which made it more disappointing. It was not a terrible experience but not one that I will rush out to repeat.
(2)
Albert B.
What can I say? Sparks remains one of the best steakhouses in New York City. Try the hash brown potatoes. Delicious.
(5)
Samantha L.
I really don't know what I can say that hasn't been said in the 200+ reviews for this place. This steakhouse has a very "old boy's club" feel to it. After all the talk of all the mafia dealings that once took place here, I was half expecting a group of mafiosos sitting in the back discussing "business." But alas, no gory shoot outs on the night i went. I wish this place served a rib eye, that's my go to cut of meat whenever I order steak anywhere, but I went with the yelp fellow reviews' suggestion and ordered the sirloin. The BF ordered the filet andfor appetizers we ordered the broiled shrimp and the lump crab with bay scallops. The broiled shrimp was delicious, but for over $20 for 4 shrimp, was a bit too overpriced for my liking. Luckily I had a $200 gift certificate here. Since the steaks come al la carte, we ordered asparagus, spinach and sauteed mushrooms as our sides. Both the steaks and the sides were good, but nothing spectacular, I've had better. I personally like Ruths Chris better, i mean it's got butter on top of the steak people! Service was attentive and friendly. All in all, this is a great place to go if you're not paying.
(3)
Anthony V.
Carries on the proud tradition of New York Steak Houses well.
(4)
Robert U.
Sparks is an excellent choice in a city full of great choices. Let's focus on the beef. I say get the sirloin. While sirloin is not typically considered the very best cut of beef, it's the way Sparks prepares it that makes it. There are some dry spices, predominantly salt and pepper, I would say, and maybe a bit of melted butter to bind it. The finished product has a nice, light, crusty finish that is just outstanding. (It's not heavy like blackening, but it is maybe one forth of the way there.) Service, as expected, is slightly stiff and serious, but truly professional, in the Manhattan steak house tradition. So don't expect sappy small talk, but do expect to be truly waited on, hand and foot. NOTE TO NON NEW YORKERS: Take some of these reviews with a grain of salt. It's a sport to New Yorkers to never really gush openly about anything. They are great critics and would have to turn in their New Yorker Card if they got too excited about anything!
(5)
Troy D.
Went to dinner with a group from work. The food was excellent! There were no complaints. I had the filet which was a generous 13oz. It had a slight char on the outside and rare in the center. We shared the creamed spinach, mushrooms, and the hash browns (highly recommend). We also had a few bottles from their extensive wine list. If you are in NYC I would make it a point to eat at Sparks!
(5)
A R.
Delicious food, warm and inviting ambiance, a personal favorite! In a city known for the best restaurants and unlimited options, Sparks is truly one of the greats.
(5)
Greg W.
Working off my old review, I have gone back a few more times to Sparks. Consistently an amazing experience. Blows Lugers away. You have got to try this place it really is something special. Get the sirloin, it is out of this world. Don't complain if you order a different steak. You go there for the sirloin, rare or medium rare.
(5)
Philip F.
Sparks Steakhouse is a sad joke. If you decide to come here, the joke is on you. We showed up for our 8:30 reservation this past Saturday and were greeted by a mob of angry patrons. Apparently, the restaurant was "at least" 40 minutes to an hour behind on all of their reservations. It was a scene unlike anything I have ever experienced - groups of people were cursing out the maitre d' and storming out of the restaurant. The Sparks staff handled the situation incredibly poorly, nastily barking at patrons seeking information about their reservations. As you would imagine, this atmosphere caused the bar to be completely packed as well. To top things off, the maitre d' refused to take our cell phone number and call us when our table was ready. We wanted to go to a nearby bar to wait things out but were told that if we left, we would lose our spot. Nice customer service. In the end, we decided to leave this dump and go to Bobby Van's instead. Don't bother going here under any circumstances. There are just too many other options in the city that can actually honor a reservation and will treat you with the respect you deserve as a customer.
(1)
Chris D.
Simply said, that was my worst steak house experience in New York! Walking in started disappointing, by first being ignored and hardly welcomed by the host. But let's get to the important thing, the food - the meat was not close to our quality or preparation expectations; one of the steaks should have been medium-rare and was badly blackened on one side and the other should have been medium-well and was very well done. The sides were not very tasty and small. Our waiter was unfriendly and not really interested in our needs... he later vanished at all which took his colleagues some time to figure out as it took some time for them to clear the table. Well at that point our mood was so damped that we decided to get out there! And this place is incredible loud.
(1)
Sana A.
Took my boyfriend here as a valentines day surprise and we thought it was just ok. They had a nice ambiance and good service. The food was really nothing special. The steak was overcooked on the outside and very rare in the inside. The Chilean sea bass was extremely plain and so rich and buttery that it did not settle well with me at all. Their peach sorbet was excellent, probably the best part of the meal! It was served inside a frozen peach!!
(3)
Armen B.
The best steaks anywhere. Service is friendly and this place is packed. Be prepared to wait at the bar.
(5)
Aboud Y.
Overrated...clap clap, clap clap clap...Overrated....clap clap, clap clap clap. Really not as great as many people say. Think A-rod as opposed to Jeter (say a place like Peter Luger to complete the analogy). I could give a rats ass that mobsters ate here...sure you get a good piece of meat but it ain't all that and you certainly pay for it.
(3)
Samantha R.
Very unpleasant experience. I had a reservation and ended up waiting even though the place was no where near capacity. The server was very condescending in response to every question. Would not return and would not recommend.
(1)
Stephen M.
Dear Management of Sparks, Congratulations on losing me as a customer before I'd ever stepped through your door! The utter lack of civility with which I was treated - not once, but twice - on the phone, by two different individuals, when I called to inquire about a Groupon I'd purchased has ensured that not only will you never get paid for that Groupon, but that you will never make a dime off of me. We could have been such good friends, Sparks. You're only about 8 blocks from my office. And though I'd heard very mixed reviews of your steak, I was willing to give you a shot. And to think -- this whole mess could have been avoided if only you didn't have complete assholes answering your phone. When I realized last week that the Groupon to Sparks I'd purchased was actually expired by 4 days, I simply called to see if you would extend the expiration date out of courtesy. I didn't expect much, since I'd read that merchants often lose money on Groupons as it is. But at the same time, I didn't expect a curt reply telling me that my Groupon was no good, promptly followed by the gentleman I spoke with hanging up on me. I waited until the next day to call back, armed with the knowledge (i.e. the fine print on Groupon's website) that even if you would not honor the "promotional" value of the deal ($192), you would still have to honor the amount I paid for the deal ($100). I called back to confirm this was the case, and spoke to a different gentleman within your establishment. Upon asking my question, I was told to "just make a reservation" and that you'd see once I got here if you'd honor the Groupon, and also that "you were sick of all you Groupon people" and that you'd never do a deal with Groupon again. After you hung up the phone, I called Groupon to request my money back, as not only would I not dine in your establishment, but I wanted to make sure that you weren't paid on a Groupon I had no intention of ever redeeming. New York City has so many steakhouses. Thank you for helping me to narrow the list of ones I will consider in the future! Regards, Stephen
(1)
Wayne T.
Had the steak fromage and it was perfect, great service and food. Cake bread wine and dessert topped off a great dinner. Highly recommend .
(4)
Steven S.
What a waste of time and money. Luckily we had good company to laugh about this place. Ordered their special 'prime' sirloin and got a cut with a thick piece of muscle running thought. Isn't the point of paying $65+ for little piece of meat so you get an aged, tender, 'melts in your mouth' cut? They took it back, brought out a 'better' piece but this time it was red raw. Apparently their medium/medium well is considered charred on the outside and uncooked inside. Cooks in the kitchen need a re-training on how to properly broil steaks. At least their steaks are not as overly salted and over seasoned as Del Fresco's. Don't get me started with them... Never going to this place again and I advice you do the same.
(1)
Matt S.
Great steak house and atmosphere. Service was a lil slow but to be expected the day before the superbowl. They sat us 20 minutes before our reservation!! Steak was outstanding and people in my party said the seafood was just as good. Sides were pretty typical and the martinis were chocolatey!!
(4)
Thomas J.
I go to Sparks every time I am in NYC. In fact, I take that back - I plan my trip to NYC just so that I can go to Sparks! My Sparks adventure started some years ago when I went completely by accident with some friends. We asked the taxi driver to take us to a nice steak house, and being naive English guys breaking our New York cherry we actually meant something with jugs of beer and fried food - think Hooters (embarrassing or what!) - but he dropped us off here. Now, we were dressed okay - collared shirt, jeans and shoes - but when we got here to say we felt a little under dressed is as big an understatement as saying that Lebron should've won more NBA titles. Anyway, I digress... Instead of walking out we decided to eat, because by this point we could smell the steak in the air and I challenge anyone to be able to resist that smell! When we got seated, any worries about how we were dressed were washed away by a really pleasant waiter who made us feel completely welcome and at home. When we got round to ordering we skipped the starter (appetizer) and went straight onto the main course (entre) because we had already seen the size of the steaks - and trust me - they are about three times the size of steaks in England! The waiter made some good recommendations on the wine which we duly accepted, and this was brought out quickly. The steaks followed - sirloin medium rare - with grilled asparagus and hash browns - and they were so good. Seasoned beautifully with a nice char round the outside of the steak. The only thing I would say is that because the steaks are so big, you may want to go up a level in the way you like it cooked - medium rare was pretty rare. My friends and I left here extremely happy that we went here by accident, and it definitely was the best mistake I've ever made! I have been back four times to this place, and every time the food is as great. On one of the times I was there with my father, and we got talking to the waiter and told him my story about how I had been there before etc. and he turned to me, looked, and said 'Oh yeah, I remember you!'. I bet he didn't, but that kind of warm service helped him get a great tip!
(5)
Bryan F.
A little bit of mafia nostalgia and an amazing NY strip steak!!! Creamed spinach, caramelized mushrooms & onions and a glass of cabernet.
(5)
Tony W.
I had a wonderful experience @ Spark's last week. The food and service were incredible. I was with a large group and everyone chose something different and all were completely satisfied. I had the swordfish which was perfection. Thanks to all @ Spark's. I will be back for sure.
(5)
Dorothy W.
My husband and I enjoyed dinner there last weekend for our anniversary. After reading the reviews I have to admit I was a bit nervous that we would not get what we had hoped for. Without a shadow of a doubt Sparks Steak House was top of the line. The service was amazing, drinks made to perfection, and the steak best we have ever had. The filet was so large and flavorful. I truly cannot believe the reviews that I read before dinning at Sparks. I prefer to embrace in the positives in life and compliment those that deserve praise. Sparks Steak House is indeed of praise. Thank you for the very memorable dinner.
(5)
Karyn K.
I've been here several times with my best Irish friend in the world. He is a steak and potato man. So you can imagine, we go around town, hunting for good steak and potato places. You walk into Sparks, and it's definitely a classy old place (think Titanic: Red carpet, chairs with red cushion, waiters in bow and white sleeve shirts, white table cloth, lots of wine around). I like it, don't get me wrong. The wine list is more extensive than the food menu. In fact the wine list is 3 pages long with font size 8 and every space is maximized well. And the menus are oversized like in Serendipidity 3. The food menu on the other hand is one page, Appetizers, Main (Steak or Lobster), Sides. Anyway through the times I've been here, with had variations of steaks - fillet mignon ($44.95), prime shirloin steak, sliced steak with sauteed onions and peppers ($39.95), and lobsters (nom nom by the pound but not too expensive). They are of course, perfectly cooked to your liking and service is great. Not the most prompt service, but definitely pretty efficient. *prices are estimates, around that price Sides are pretty good too - except the hash browns which I think are a little too crispy but the Irish friend loves it. Sides are around $9 - $13 each. Definitely a place to bring the parents too, if they are into steak and have the teeth to nom!
(4)
Winston G.
I'm so full from dinner here that I don't even have a desire to eat out again. That never happens to me, but the steak here was really good. Their signature cut is the sirloin, which is a prime cut that runs about $45. I've probably been to five or six steakhouses in the last month (Lugar's, Wolfgang's, Quality Meats, etc) and this was one of the best. The steak was flavorful and perhaps what stood out most was how juicy it was without being bloody (cooked to a medium rare). I asked the waiter how they aged the steaks here but was told that it was a trade secret. One of my colleagues, who's favorite steakhouse is Sparks, told me he once read they do a combination dry and wet age. Well, whatever they do here, the steaks are phenomenal and perfectly cooked. Sides are great (creamed spinach and potatoes). Portions are huge. Overall, service was OK (waiter were nice, but not very on top of the wine pours). Very old school steakhouse feel, which I like when I'm devouring a 18 oz cut of beef.
(5)
Nghi L.
Had high hopes for a good steak, even a decent one.. I asked for my sirloin to be medium, but what i got was very burnt.... 3 clams and 2 shrimps $24 o_O... Everything was Ehh.. decor was Ehh.. food Eh... Service was decent... However I can not recommend this place, theres better steaks for less else where.
Was quite disappointed this time as they really overcooked my steak to the point that medium rare tasted like well-done steak with burnt sides. didn't have time to have them send another one, the service was kinda slow this time also.
(3)
Paul S.
Came here for the first time after a subpar meal at Peter Luger's a few months earlier and was very satisfied. For the appetizer I had the bay scallops and lump crab meat. For the entree I got the Prime Sirloin and the outside was charred perfect and the inside was juicy and cooked to medium well perfection. Got the creamed spinach which had a good amount of garlic in it and it was delicious. Also had the mushroom caps and liked those as well. My server's name was "Rashid" (spelling?) and he was very friendly and made it a great experience for me. The restaurant was pretty busy but not overly packed; I was impressed by the sheer size of the place. The decor was old fashioned and classic. I had a much better time here and a better steak than Peter Luger's. I will definitely be back!
(5)
Eduardo S.
I did a reservation and I waited more than 45 minutes to seat. The attendents werent polite at all. Not recommended
(1)
Margaret T.
Good steaks but better LOBSTER!! This place is definitely a "classic steakhouse" in that it's wood, red carpet, and old-white-man themed and the menu prices suggest you came here to celebrate your 6-figure your annual bonus. I wonder how many bottles of $2000 wine they sell... When I came here with friends, I ate like I had tapeworms. I shared a sirloin steak with a friend and ended up eating about 2/3 of a 3 pound lobster on top of that. The steak was well seasoned and cooked medium (slightly more towards medium-well). But the lobster. OH, lobster! So sweet and perfectly cooked. It didn't need lemon or butter or anything. I wanted to take the lobster shell and make jewelery with it so I could have a souvenir of our time together. The time it spent IN MY BELLY!! The sides were also pretty good -- creamed spinach was my favorite. -1 star because they ARE pretty pricey and there was also a spat amongst the waitstaff because we ordered the lobster late and they couldn't decide if we were worthy. Awkwaaaaaaarrrrd...
(4)
Jay F.
Let me sum it up: We walked in and the host had a "why are you looking at me?" look. Well, maybe because I'm expecting you to greet me. There seem to be 50 waiters running around at all times but a) we could never find ours, and b) none of them made eye contact with me so that i could ever get any of their attention. I had a diet coke and good service will usually ask me if i need more before i need it. Sat with my glass empty for 10 minutes before i finally found our guy to ask. The filet was poor. Came out way undercooked. Sent it back, came back about 2% more done than before. So I basically ate the edges because I was with a client and didn't want to send it back a third time. Plus there were two major streaks of fat running through it, which is not right for a filet. It's pricey, even for NYC, and the value isn't there. The sides are not impressive in taste or size, yet cost $10-12 for $.50 of food. So many great options in NYC, so not coming back here.
(2)
Tommaso S.
Superb! Every time im in NY for work, i come here with clients for a steak. I've been here around 10 times and it has never disappointed. In my opinion the BEST sirloin in NY... and the best steak ive ever had. Beats the crap out of Peter Lugers. I'd advise getting it cooked medium, or medium rare at the most since it's a very large cut of meat, and any rarer than MR it will be likely be cold by the time you get to the last 1/3. The steak is charred to perfection to give it a nice salty crunch, and the meat just melts in the mouth. As for ambience - it's proper old school NY. You can see why it was so popular with the Gambinos back in the day. Waiters with slicked back hair, warmly lit, scenic landscape paintings filling the walls. As a final endorsement, ive been here with an Argentinian mate in the past (and they know steak); begrudgingly he confessed that this was better than anything he'd eaten in the motherland.
(5)
chris s.
This just OK "famous" steak house doesn't wow. The steak is OK at an OK price. It's good just not great for a NYC where you have your pick of the best. If your looking for a tender buttery porterhouse or ribeye look for another restaurant. Sides are typical and again just average. The best value is their larger lobsters which a good for the price and fresh. The atmosphere is touristy, and service is good. All in all not worth more than one visit just to say you have been. If your a New Yorker you will know better.
(3)
Lauren V.
I honestly would not waste my money here. You're in NY! You can find a hundred different better places. I'd say, on it's best night, this place hits the mediocre level. The inside looks like someone took over a ruby tuesdays, scrubbed the name off the glass dividers, added fancy carpet, and wayyy too many canvas paintings. Highly disappointed when I looked around. After reading their wine menu (which the waiter was barely able to answer questions on) I chose a bottle they didn't have and the waiter just brought us the next one up on the list (I'm sure he was highly qualified to pick. ha.). From interesting wine that I've never encountered to Riesling . . . it was early in the night and I let it slip. Steak. Best part of the night (besides my dress). My fillet was exceptionally large and I loved it's rare center. However, flavor....not the best I've had. The meat itsself was really good but the outside was so burnt that it tasted like straight charred ash. I asked for a sauce. Their sauce . . . not so good. It tasted like the chef got confused between a steak sauce with wine and brown gravy. And they brought me a little jar of A1. REALLY!? A1!? I was just served A1 at what I hoped to be a delicious fine steak house. Mr. Luger would look down at me with shame. My friend got the prime sirloin. That was delicious. They're famous for their aging? And that was a very good steak. As for sides . . . I've had better hashbrowns from a diner. And the creamed spinach is on par with boston market. I don't want steak house spinach from a blender. I want to see some leaves in it! (And I want it to have more flavor.) For desert, my friend had tartuffo. Looked awesome! I just don't like fruit and chocolate. I had the chocolate truffle cake (because I like chocolate with my chocolate) and it was deathly intense but delicious. Good coffee. I only went here because I got a groupon. I would never go again, even at a highly discounted rate. If you're going to spend the money . . . you can definitely find something better.
(2)
John R.
This place is, by far, the single most consistent restaurant I have EVER frequented. I have probably been there 30 times and it is great every ... single .... time. Most recently went there to host a party of ten. Service was superb, steaks were perfect (as always) and sides/salads were huge and great. I love Sparks - from the black-coated greeters out front to the waiters who know every wine on the 500 bottle list (don't drink it, but I've seen them in action - uncanny), to the atmosphere, which is loud and kinda old school, I just love it. If I had to have one meal in New York and I had to get it right, this would be the place. I have had better meals for sure, but never have I had anything but a perfect steak from Sparks.
(5)
Daniel Y.
We come here for steak nights some times. The positives are that it has more options than simply porterhouse and that steakhouse is one of the New York classics especially with the history that happened just outside of its doors. The negatives is that the service is a notch below other steakhouses in terms of warmness and hospitality and the food solid but nothing really spectacular.
(3)
Tamara K.
My favorite steakhouse in NYC and incredib le wine list. The old Italian gangsters knew good food I must say...
(5)
John A.
I've been a fan of this place for as long as I can remember and it just never disappoints. It's truly a NYC landmark that can seem a little old fashioned at times, but of course, that just may the best part of the experience. The decor is old world (in a good way) and the service is better than most NY steakhouses. Though they have expanded at some point over the last decade (or two), I'd recommend a reservation on weeknights as it's still a "go to" for corporate dinners and special events. If you don't have one, just be polite to the hosts at the door and they'll usually find a week to get you a table. I've had the Sirloin medium the last four times I've been there (be aware, their version of medium looks a lot like medium rare at most places) and it's truly my favorite steak in the world! The cut of beef is sublime and the flavor always consistently perfect. For sides, I recommend the hash browns. The wine list is possibly one of the largest in NY and the prices seem cheaper than most places. There's a large selection of California as well as French to choose from. The place is a treasure and I'd highly recommend it to anyone who's visiting NY for the first time or who's lived in NY for a lifetime and never gets tired of a great meal.
(5)
Mike P.
If there was a picture of steak house in Websters dictionary, it would be the inside of this place. Lots of wood, deep dark carpet, and wine glasses everywhere. The food was terrific and the service great - we had a great dinner there, and have been there for lunch several times as well. Forget the fact that someone says there may be mobsters there - this is NY, they are everywhere and nowhere - enjoy yourself and have a great meal.
(5)
Jeremy G.
We've just returned from Sparks and I thought I'd look up some of the previous reviews of this venue. I'm not sure whether there are two different Sparks Steak Houses (one fantastic and one poor) at the same address but I can't see how this place is reviewed so highly. The venue and the food can be described with the same word: DIRE. I noted that previous reviewers had called this a "high end" steak place, that being the case then I think you could also classify Tads Steaks as high end. I know it's all down to personal preference and all that but how anyone could score this more than a maximum of 3 is beyond me. According to Wikipedia this place has an interesting history, 50 cent did an interview there and some mobsters got whacked in 1985. From the look of the place it hadn't been cleaned or refurbished since 1985, it smelt old and the decor is hugely dated, perhaps it's intended to be "retro chic" but it's just a dump. It is clear that this is a venue that is in the tourist guides and is trading on it's name and history. From the accents I would say that most people were either foreign (like myself) or from out of town. So onto the dining "experience" - we started by sharing the $25 crab appetizer. It arrived on dated plates that would have made the stuff in my grandmother's place look new. The plate looked .. unappetising complete with dodgy looking meat made nice and crunchy by sharp pieces of crab shell served on a limp lettuce leaf. It was served with cocktail sauce that was remarkable in the fact that it was totally unremarkable. Neither of us was impressed. Onto the steak. We ordered a fillet mignon and a sirloin steak. The first thing you notice is the size of the steak, much larger than other places. The fillet was a little odd in that it seemed to have lines of fat running through it. In my opinion it was seasoned well but was certainly not cooked as requested. I wanted it medium well but I'd say it turned up as a medium. I rarely send food back as I know it'll probably come back from the kitchen with the chef's "special sauce". The sirloin was a little too charred and detracted from the taste of the meat. The plates were not hot and neither were the steaks. For sides we ordered a baked potato which was small and fell apart when handled, it was also not hot enough to melt the butter I put on it. Exceptionally poor value for $9. The creamed spinach was also warm rather than hot and for $11 I was expecting a bucket of it but was surprised when it turned up in a small dish. The service wasn't good and it wasn't bad, it was passable. Drink refills were patchy. In summary, when I see great reviews for a place that is clearly totally over rated I begin to lose faith in review sites like Yelp. The other steak places we have sampled in NY are streets ahead of Sparks and far less expensive.
(2.75 stars) Two events, and a lot of "spin," transformed an above average steakhouse into a noteworthy dining destination: a Gotti mob rub-out on the premises, and the proclamation by one of NYC's more dubious newspapers of "best-in-city" status. Both events were in the early 70's, and little has changed. Sparks is capable of producing a top-shelf steakhouse experience. The lack of quality assurance-- in both sides of the house-- makes this a 50-50 proposition, at best. Three factors work against this approach: (a) their steak prices are 10% over the going rate of the top-shelf NYC spots, (b) their pretentious, self-congratulatory attitudes (more to follow) don't win them fans, and (c) there are at least a dozen legendary NYC steakhouses able to reliable deliver excellence for less $$. When I dine in a nice restaurant I'm polite, generally agreeable and very slow to send a dish back to the kitchen. I save my critique for Yelp, and try to enjoy the experience painted by the restaurant. While I'm not sensitive toward a more regimented service approach, I do expect respect, consistency and efficiency to be the result. Sparks' wait staff has the demonstrated potential to be no-nonsense and cold, yet sometimes has trouble checking-in on their tables, replacing a dropped fork or restraining contentious attitudes. For a restaurant in this price strata, these flaws are miles beyond unacceptable-- even as a 50-50 likelihood. Further, there is a palpable air of service staff expecting a generous gratuity every time they lift a finger to do their job. Their steaks are very good, particularly the strip sirloins, but not great. The kitchen has difficulty evenly searing both sides of the steak. Further, their idea of mid-rare seems to be fifteen seconds beyond "blue" (raw)-- expediency, rather than skill or efficiency. The sides I've had have each been critically flawed; watery creamed spinach and very salty potato and bacon hash. Portions are small for the price, not necessarily a tragedy, given their quality. Like Palm, Sparks' fish and seafood are much better than their steaks. This is, however, a steakhouse which does time their service to a leisurely business lunch/dinner standard, and not a name that often comes up when fish is suggested. I know that many people love and defend Sparks, and I can only conclude that the law of averages has spared them from just how off-putting the place can be. Not being among the fortunate few, I regard Sparks as an over-hyped third-tier NYC steakhouse. I sincerely wish I that could state otherwise in good conscience.
(2)
Chad T.
Spark's feels like you're walking into an old high-end restaurant in a mobster-run Vegas casino. The waitstaff is gruff and no-nonsense, but this place definitely knows how to churn out large volumes of high-end hunks of meat. Great starts with the crab and scallops, decent caesar salad, and really excellent creamed spinach. However, my "rare" steak was actually much closer to medium-rare. Other than that it was a fun boy's night out... but guys listen to me.... please don't bring a date here.
(4)
Charles J.
Sparks is a traditional NYC iconic steakhouse for many reasons. It has history, it has ambiance, the service is always impeccable, and the food is first rate. Despite a lot of seafood entries, if you know what and how to order from the menu you can easily have a time honored NYC steakhouse meal, from soup to nuts, complete with top shelf wines from all over the world. I'm a New Yorker and for a time lived on East 50th Street. I had choices within walking distance of many great steakhouses including Palm and Smith & Wollensky. I frequently chose Sparks when I wanted to impress a client, celebrate a family birthday, or simply charm the pants off of a date. If you're dining by yourself, don't forget to add a Roquefort topping to your favorite cut. It's to die for.
(5)
David J.
The standard by which other Manhattan steak houses are measured. The sirloin is off the charts. One of the most flavorful steaks you will ever eat. Veal chop, filet, sliced steak -- all a perfect 10. Don't miss the baked clams. Service is perfect, food is perfect. Probably the best staff in the business. If you want steak in Manhattan, this is the place.
(5)
Raider J.
Ever since I was told that a Mafia Mobster wa killed outsdide Sparks, I have always wanted to eat here. I arrived tonight with a few of my business partners. When we got seated, you could smell the suits in the restaurant.......all business men and maybe a few mobsters in the place. The restaurant looks like a man's steakhouse.....with darks woods plenty of meat, wine and cigars all around. I normally order the rib-eye steak.....but at Sparks'...the best slab of meat is their prime sirloin.....so we orded sirloin steaks, hashbrowns, creamed spinach and mushrooms. One of our partners ordered the sea bass. The sirloin steaks were prepared perfectly with a perfect blend of meat and marbling. My partner's sea bass was huge and also prepared perfectly. The hash browns are prepared just like Luger's german potatoes, diced and very crispy. The sides of creamed spinach and mushrooms were perfect. For desert we had their mixed berries romanoff.......a bowl of berries mixed with whipped cream, ice cream and grand marnier.......a very refreshing dish. Overall, it was a great NY steak meal.......I will be back!
(5)
Eva G.
Between the three of us, we shared: -a filet mignon and a prime sirloin steak: we ordered them medium rare, and they were very dry and tough; they were tendonus and hard to cut into pieces. I can only say that the grilled surface was the tastiest, due to it being lightly salted. The meat gets cold fast, since it's not served on a flaming hot plate. They give you bearnaise and hollandaise sauce on the side if you ask. -the lobster tails and broiled shrimp: the lobster was crisp and alright, but the shrimp suffered from being overly salted. -sauteed spinach: we got this because the creamed spinach on Yelp looks like pureed baby food. Nothing out of the ordinary. -mushroom caps: the mushrooms were great, but the overgenerous sprinkling of sea salt on top killed it. -hash brown potatoes: this was, in my and others' opinions, the best dish we got. Not the hash browns you get at McDonald's, they're more like country style potatoes. This one was not too salty. Even at 6pm on a Friday, when it was fairly empty empty inside, service was spotty and it took a while to get the check. I will resort back to Peter Luger's for my steak and sides (Also, Sparks does NOT have any hot fudge sundae).
(2)
Tom K.
As we exited our taxi on Friday night, deposited in front of Sparks Steak House, I felt like I was reliving the final steps of mafia Gambino gang boss Paul Castellano. Almost 25 years ago, he stepped out of his car en route to dinner and was gunned down by the minions of John Gotti. The tragedy of Paul Castellano is that he didn't even have a chance to feast-- the least Gotti could have done was let the man have his steak, exit and then proceed to whack him. I suppose that's why I'm not in the mafia. Anyway, Sparks Steak House has been associated with that notorious incident ever since and it's part of the historical fabric of things. So is top quality meat and an extraordinary wine selection. Why the name Sparks though? Was this a joint venture of Edison and Tesla? Former location of a ConEd station? No and no. Apparently two Italian brothers, the Cettas, bought an old pub named Sparks run by Don Sparks, on 18th Street in 1966. From pub to steakhouse and a move to midtown in 1977, with an expansion in 1997 brings us to modern times. While Sparks' history doesn't go as far back as Delmonico's, it's a NYC institution in its own right, with a wine menu that is as voluminous as the phone book. I almost felt a pang of guilt for not ordering any wine whatsoever but was quickly relieved by another sip of my perfectly executed sidecar. Cocktails are just one reason to come to Sparks. Lobster is another. A lot of lobster, try 3.5 lbs. Three people were able to share the oversized crustacean, each of us receiving ample amount of meat. As the larger than life lobster is wheeled out, an army of Sparks staff swarms on it,armed to the teeth with lobster meat removal tools. Crack this, crack that, these are the professionals. All you have to do is sit back, watch, enjoy the show and then dip your lobster meat into the butter. Moving on to the beefy matters,the fillet was shared by me and my friend. Delicious, tender, pink and so easy to eat. Sides of creamed spinach and hash browns supplemented the steak but they easily stood on their own for top taste too. Somehow we had room left for dessert and my wife and I shared an order of strawberries romanoff. Creamy, with a hint of Grand Marnier, this was the perfect ending to a massively good meal. Be sure to watch the artistry of table cloth changing between one's main and dessert. The staff was friendly, professional and quite knowledgeable about matters of the sacred cow. The crowd was a healthy mix of tourists in jeans and executives in suits. The feel of the place really elevates it into the realm of 5 star ratings-- they take their steak and wine seriously without being pretentious. Sparks, you can truly fly.
(5)
Kevin K.
Exceptional New York steakhouse. I ordered a simple caesar salad to start followed by the sirloin steak (NY Strip). The caesar was not bad but nothing out of the ordinary. The steak was fantastic, both the quality of the meat and the preparation. Service was quick, polite and efficient. Tip: ask for the 1/2 bottle wine list. Great selections and priced very fairly. Instead of ordering 750ml bottles, we order several different 1/2 (375ml) bottles of cabernet
(4)
JP J.
This is the BEST steakhouse not named Peter Luger's in the world....enough said.
(4)
Asuka N.
I came here on a cold December night for a year-end business dinner. I'd heard pretty decent things about Sparks from my colleagues, so I was expecting a very good dinner. After getting some drinks at the bar, we were seated at a large enough table to seat the 12 or so of us that made it out. To be honest, the service was pretty mediocre...perhaps it was because it was a very busy night, but the waiter was next to useless when it came to suggestions on the menu. When I asked what he recommended for sides, he simply shrugged his shoulders and said, "I don't know." Doesn't exactly inspire much confidence... ...and for the appetizers and sides, that's exactly what happened. The baked (or was it fried?) oysters were a moist mess; you could hardly tell there was an oyster inside after getting through the mushy breadcrumbs. The spinach on the side with the steak was also sloppily put together and lacked any sort of flavor or texture. The redeeming part of the meal was the main event; the steak was fantastically prepared, with a nice, crispy outer layer on the filet mignon matched with a juicy, tender center. The wine list was also fantastic, and the selections made by others went very well with the steak. As usual, I drank a little too much for my own good, but it was a good time overall. On the merits of the steak alone, Sparks would get a higher rating. But it's brought down by the mediocre sides and appetizers and the piss-poor service.
(3)
Dominic B.
Nice place for an special occasion as it is on the expensive side. However, for NYC steakhouses, i think the menu is on par with the rest. I have been here twice and enjoyed both meals. Both times (2009, dec 2012) i have had a perfect steak and left unbelievably stuffed. I think there menu is a little small and should offer more variety. However, everything is cooked to perfection. Decor is real old school as it probably hasn't changed much in 20 years but still looks really nice. Service is OK but nothing to rave home about. If you come here for an amazing and expensive steak, you will leave extremely satisfied. Anything else, look elsewhere.
(4)
Steve D.
Great meal, a few misses but sparks still impresses. We were seated quickly. Service was great, friendly, informative but not pushy. We had baked clams and garlic shrimp which were very good. We had the prime sirloin and filet mignon, creamed spinach, baked potato, mushroom caps and cheese cake. Prime steaks were awesome, filet a tad over done. All sides were delicious. Very well priced wine list with lots of quality wines at prices below typical wine list prices. Found a 97 pt wine that retailed at $100 back in 2005 selling for 140. Minor complaints - bread is below average (wasn't fresh, didn't taste like much) and the cheese cake was dry/over cooked. But that said meal was great and we'll be back.
(4)
Vicky A.
was super disappointed....uncooked scallops were served for appetizers and when informed the waiter, the waiter responded that it happens and it is scallops anyways. I don't understand the response that i get ....and the steak was very chewy ...did order a medium rare and got half of the steak medium. DO NOT SPEND YOUR MONEY TO THIS RESTAURANT..go to Peter luger's, Keens or Benjamins for better service and way better food. WHAT A WASTE OF MONEY!!!!!!!
(1)
Alex R.
Picture this.. New York, 1985. Sparks Steak House grabs national headlines by being the very establishment where Gambino crime family boss Paul Castellano and underboss Thomas Bilotti were gunned down near its entrance. The hit was under the orders from John Gotti. Now that I've set the scene, imagine my surprise walking up the bar, shortly before my reservation and finding a few suspiciously Gambino looking types at the bar, shooting the breeze also waiting for their table. It was like being on the set of Sopranos in the good ol' days. I was thrilled that they made me 2 perfect grey goose martinis and blue cheese stuffed olives to boot. :) Nicely toasty, my dinner companion finally arrived and we were promptly seated in a corner table. The crowd was a good mix of regulars, power brokers of all sorts (think expensive suits), and a hodge podge of tourists and first timers like me. I came into Sparks with a $200 voucher, courtesy of Groupon, that gave us cart blanche to order pretty much whatever off the menu. We decided to stick with the classics. Broiled Shrimp with butter and Fresh Bufala Mozzarella with tomato for starters. Both good but nothing extraordinary. As a matter of fact, Ive had far better fresh mozzarella and tomato (underripe). Moving on, Sparks is famous for its Prime Sirloin. For almost $50 (same price as Filet) I was expecting a beautifully juicy marbled piece of meat , ordered medium rare. Outside looked perfect, inside was definitely cooked rare and consistency was chewy, almost to the point where I couldnt finish eating my steak. I was a bit surprised actually, considering the price. My companion ordered Steak Fromage which he liked, albeit he likes well done meat, which I cant comprehend, but thats another story. We also got the hash brown potatoes and creamed spinach, both of which I enjoyed more than the star bovine attraction. All-in-all , 4 stars for the "show" and cocktails.. and 3 for the food
(3)
Bryce B.
If you like red meat and mobsters, this is the place for you. Sparks Steakhouse is the location where John Gotti's hit on Paul Castellano was carried out. In modern times, the only hit you have to worry about are increased cholesterol levels. Sparks is classic steakhouse in every sense of the word. I recommend starting with a cocktail (really, only a Manhattan or martini will do) at the bar. This will set the proper mood. I have had a number of truly exceptional steaks over the years. While those served at Sparks aren't quite in the upper echelon of top quality bovine I've experienced elsewhere, there is a salty exterior to the steaks that is unique to Sparks. All the standard sides (hash browns, creamed spinach) were as good as any I've eaten. Time honored, old-school service reigns supreme here. While the staff is highly attentive, also expect a certain level of gruffness in the delivery.
(4)
Ty D.
I hadn't been to Sparks in several years, but while stranded in New York during the December blizzard, I had an opportunity to visit again. The restaurant is timeless--it still maintains the classic, old school steakhouse feel to perfection, with professional waitstaff and service. But of course, if you're going to a steakhouse, there are really only three things that matter: steak, sides, and alcohol, and Sparks delivers across the board. The filet was out of this world, the hash browns were just as good as I remembered, the wine list is one of the most impressive I have ever encountered, and the bar made one good martini. For a few hours at least, my friend and I forgot about the snow, which was no mean feat. Sparks is definitely one of the best steakhouses in the country.
(4)
Stephen F.
I finally went to the legendary Sparks Steakhouse. I got a gift certificate for $200 there, and paid $117 for it, so I was ahead of the game from the start. When I walked in and let them know I had a reservation, they just told me to go sit at the bar and wait for my table. After about 10 minutes of standing around, I decided to stand at the front door so that I could be seen. Sure enough, I got seated quickly after that. Once we sat down, we got our menus right away. This did not make the people next to us happy, as they starting flipping out about how they have not had their order taken. I had a good bottle of wine for a fair price which was great. Not always the case in New York City. Now for the food! We had the baked clams for an appetizer. Pretty good. Not the best I've had, but good never the less. I had the sirloin steak, and she had the filet mignon. I think they mixed up the temperatures for cooking the meats. The filet was huge. So was the sirloin. They were both easily some of the better steaks I have had. The prices for them are not cheap, but I think you get what you pay for here. The steaks were charred on the outside, and juicy on the inside. Just perfect. The sirloin was very very tasty, and the filet was like butter. I recommend either! As for the service. Call it what you want, but I can't stand it when I do not get my water refilled. Even when I asked, it was like the guy was doing me a favor by getting me some more water. This was after he forgot to refill it. I saw other waiters doing it. I would go back though. A real good steak is hard to come by, and for a place that has been around as long as Sparks has, I have to think maybe it was just a bad night.
(3)
Pete H.
I had a pretty wonderful meal here recently. The steaks were oh so flavorful. Just big slabs of meat on a plate cooked perfectly. We had the prime sirloin and the filet mignon. The seafood appetizer of scallops and crab meat was simple, unadorned yet lovely. The sides of creamed spinach and homefries were not bad, but not the best I've had. Much to my surprise it was not that touristy for a Friday night. My two gripes: First, the steaks and homefries were really oversalted. Second, (and I realize this could be seen as petty by some) the drop ceiling with hundreds of recessed lights has got to go. It's really ugly and detracts from an otherwise fun old-school New York ambiance.
(4)
Hank L.
The only reason a steak should be cold is if you order it rare. I've been to Sparks on three occasions, and each time, I was with a large group (8-12). Two out of those three times, I had the filet mignon. Both of those times, the steak was cooked medium well and cool to the touch because they waited to bring out all the steaks together and mine must have gone on earliest. I would not pay their prices for steaks, ever. Though Ruth's Chris and Morton's are both chains, they both deliver 100% of the time, and if I were going to pay a premium price for a steak, I'd happily go to either of those other places or the Strip House. All of them are on Manhattan (unlike Luger's, which I've always wanted to go to, but never have).
(3)
Phil L.
Sparks Steak House, a steak house where mobsters get shot apparently. I came to Sparks after our dinner plans at apotheke were ruined since they didn't respond back. I was excited for steak and we were seated immediately when we arrived for our reservation for two. This restaurant is pretty large and definitely has the old school supper club feel, similar to Club 21 although not as classy. I was a little worried about dress code but showing up in my khakis and polo shirt was fine although there were plenty of suits there. Food: We started off with oysters and clams on the half shell and the prosciutto with melon. People weren't kidding, the oysters were friggen gigantic and I definitely recommend getting them. Nothing bad to say about the seafood and prosciutto since they came from a quality purveyor but no real prep work required to make any of that. Entree included the rack of lamb and a prime sirloin, which we shared between the two of us. On the side we had the hash potatoes and broccoli. This is where things started to go wrong. The first few bites were pretty good, but progressively through the meal the food was simply over salted. There was so much salt in fact that I could see the salt crystals on my meat which I attempted to scrape off with my fork. The steak was perfectly cooked with a big caveat. The kitchen didn't give the steak an appropriate time to rest so when my girlfriend first cut into it the steak looked rare. After resting for a few good minutes, it was at the perfect medium rare pinky goodness that we all love. The steak and lamb was simply fantastic but like I said, far too salty. The hash was the same, way over salted for my liking and I was pretty worried that my arteries were hardening up during the meal. The broccoli was your standard steak house showing, basically minimal preparation cutting that sucker up as little as possible and presenting it on your plate. For desert we were treated to their cheesecake which was prefect. Super light and fluffy, full of flavor, and the raspberry syrup did me in. Probably the best highlight of the meal. Service: Service was impeccable our waiter Rachid was super friendly, attentive, and even spent some time chatting us up. Definitely a man who deserves high marks for the high level of service he provides and there are very few people that are of his caliber. The kitchen was quick and efficient in pushing out food (should be with such simple items as this) however, I will say this again, they over salted the food. Overall: I would give 5 stars for service and 2 1/2 for food. Honestly if they didn't dump the salt shaker onto all of the items it would have been much higher since they were serving up quality cuts of meat and seafood. Since I give more weighting to food (which is why we're all eating out anyways) this is a 3 stars. Definitely not the best (salt, salt, salt, salt) but great cuts of meat to be enjoyed here and excellent service by Rachid.
(3)
Jasz J.
What a night!!! Life of feeling like a princess... Its awesome when you walked in and the feeling of being swept away the whole night long... Manager Walter was more than welcoming providing us a table within seconds. We felt like a martini so we headed to the bar first to start of the night... All the gentlemen were awesome at what they do. Seemless setup that makes me feels just being at the right places. Our meal was magnificent. The steak cooked with nice crust and red inside. Creamed spinach and bake potato kept me busy. Our dessert was delighted. Meal was filling with laughter and our wine pair perfectly from kayu. Service was outstanding, and I think we were served by 4 people. What a night... Feeling like such a star walking out.. Love the energy and of course, the meal pair well. Life is wonderful!!
(4)
Tony T.
Came with a large group here and had a set menu. The bread was cold and the butter was hard and cold. But you don't come to a steakhouse for the bread. The tomato and mozzarella was ok, but beefsteak tomatoes should be heartier than the ones Sparks serves. The mixed green salad had enough dressing to coat the greens but not too much that you felt it overwhelmed the whole balance. The waiters warned me that the meat would be slightly undercooked. I ordered filet mignon medium, and it came out medium rare (which was what I was going to order anyway). The meat was warm but red in the middle, which is how I like it. Make sure you tell the waiter how you want your steak or else it could come out undercooked. The veal chop was very thick and had a good sear on the outside but was a little too fatty for my taste. The sides we got were spinach and hash browns. The spinach did not have enough salt (this was not the creamed spinach) but the has browns were the best thing on the menu. They had a nice crunch on the outside but were creamy on the inside. The waiters are pretty pleasant, unlike at some other steakhouses in New York. The decor in Sparks is definitely old time New York steakhouse and it is pretty big for a steakhouse in Manhattan. All in all this is a nice place to have a steak.
(3)
Joyce K.
+ Their service was very good... attentive wait staff. - The establishment, however, begs for an upgrade or interior decorator or something! I was a bit disappointed at the look of their bathrooms and restaurant in general. Def not $$$$ worthy ambiance...
(3)
Keiko S.
Here we go again...more MEAT. Although I would've much rather spent the same $ on sushi, Sparks did not disappoint. FOOD: * First, the appetizers. We got the spinach, mushroom caps and baked potatoes. I would definitely order the mushroom caps again. Sooo buttery and flavorful! * I'm not a steak person...Whenever I eat it, I end up feeling sick in the stomach for a few hours. BUT the thick slab of medium rare fillet mignon left me comfortably full without any adverse side effect. It was lean, but tender and meaty. I think I can do this again! * The prime sirloin got mixed reviews at our table. We got two exact same orders (medium rare), but one was clearly better seasoned than the other, even juicier. And one was almost well done while the other was barely passable for medium rare...we had to send the former back to the kitchen. * Had to skip the wine this time...boo hoo. Next time I'll either bring more people who can drink with me, OR drink the whole bottle myself. The latter is more likely. SERVICE & SETTING: Slow and somewhat condescending, but much nicer than the guys at Peter Lugers. The room is nicely spacious and unpretentious, and can accommodate any occasion. SUM: Very good food, but probably not the best in town. I shall go check out the other steakhouses in this vicinity (boy, there are many), but let me go eat some toro first...
(4)
Greg L.
Old spot that doesn't seem to have change since it was known to be one of the best steakhouse in NY. Went there for lunch on a Monday and place was empty, only our table and another one. Meat was ok. Service was ok too. Don't plan to come back.
(2)
Brian M.
The steak just wasn't good. So while I see the points some are making below about the dinner plates, the services, the prices, the decor, etc., for me its really simple -- the steaks at Sparks are not at the top-tier level like the best steakhouses in NY. Unlike Eva G., mine was ordered medium and came so undercooked that my wife and I lost our appetites (this for a guy who usually goes medium rare). It was pretty shocking. I could say more about other aspects but what's the point. It's a steakhouse and the steaks were just not good. Too many better options at the a similar price point.
(1)
Thomas M.
The steak and service were excellent. Wait staff was very courteous. Very classy atmosphere. I will definitely come back when in NYC
(4)
Manzar R.
For a pretty well known steakhouse in midtown I thought my steak(filet) was cooked the way I wanted it(medium well). Although the filet was stated to be 16 oz and was a pretty big piece of meat, it didn't look like a typical cut. Hmmm? They said they undercook but I would disagree and say they overcook if anything. I thought flavor overall was very good as were the sides. One glaring weakness is their service. Extremely slow! Also, desserts are overpriced.
(4)
Victor G.
This was the first time that I got a chance to eat here, while my wife would come here with her dad as he would discuss business with his clients. She raved about the place and since Groupon was offering a gift certificate of $194 for $100, I figured it would a good opportunity. We went this past Saturday and there appears to be NO dress code on the weekends (the waiter explained it was mostly tourists who came on the weekends) and I wonder if the quality drops for the tourists as well. My wife and I started with a lobster tail (small for $20 and lobsters are supposed to be cheap this year) and an appetizer of crabmeat and bay scallops. It was good. I'm not a seafood person but I found the appetizers tasty. We each had the sirloin and I thought mine was very good. There was a serious sear on the outside, but the inside was cooked right. We ordered Asparagus and home fries (yes, home fries) and they were good as well. I was surprised at how much I liked the home fries. It must be the butter. Dessert was the mixed berries Romanoff, which was berries mixed with a cream made fom whipped cream, ice cream and Grand Marnier. It was interesting and my wife enjoyed it with her coffee. We had spend the full $194 and since we don't drink alcohol we had to figure out how to spend it. I found the decor something out of a 1970's and the overall impression was that this place was a bit overrated. Without the Groupon, I wouldn't come here for dinner. Old Homestead is better, as well as Luger's, but better than all, for now, was Ben & Jack's for the steak. We're going back one more time and we might try a couple of different appetizers and skip dessert and coffee for a third entree. Steaks reheat really well. The three stars is for the fact that everything is WAY overpriced. The decor is for 65 and over crowd. Way too many places in NY for a meal just as good or better for less than what they charge.
(3)
Alan Z.
The staff seemed very patronizing like they are doing you a favor by re-filling your water and bringing out your food. My waiter stop by to take our order, then I never saw him again until after we finished our steak and ran out of water. I had to call him over to re-fill the water. The sirloin steak was disappointing. It was cooked well, but lacked any taste. Won' t be going back for sure. Bunch of old-school Italians at the front of the house, bunch of eastern Europeans in the back.
(1)
Azuree M.
My hubby and I went to celebrate his birthday. The waiter was nice and the seating was fast (we had a reservatiion) even though the place was packed. The appetizers were good, I had baked clams and hubby had the hot appetizer of lump crab and scallops, both were good. Now on to the not so good part, the portions were smaller than expected (we NEVER finish the sides when we go to steakhouses) and I found them salty. Their signature steak was good and well prepared according to hubby but my steak frommage was disappointing. Though I LOVE BLUE CHEESE, the steak had no flavor not an ounce of seasoning ( I mean like salt or pepper, nothing fancy) and the cut was just blah. The dessert was good, try the tartufo. We won't be back.
Finally was able to experience Sparks Steak House.......made my reservation in 2 weeks....since the last time I was in New York, they were booked. For dinner, I started with the "Lump Crab" appetizer & Oysters on the Half Shell. I recommend Atlantic Oysters....my favorite, Prince Edward Island Oysters...... Then to the entree of Chilean Sea Bass... Everything absolutely Delicious. ....and for the wine lover, a vast selection of award winning wines......Dry white wine.....A Chardonnay wine or even a Riesling wine works...... My next trip to NY, Sparks will definitely be on the itinerary.......
(5)
Matt D.
My cousin suggested we eat here while I was in town for business and what a great choice it was. First of all, the servers were all very professional and made you feel as if you were back in the 1930s. We started with the prosciutto melon which I hadn't had before but ended up going together. We also have the tomato and mozzarella which fresh basil leaves. We then moved on to the main course which consisted of one of the best Sirloins I have ever had. Slightly charred on the edge with a very flavorful taste the center was cooked exactly how I asked. Once I got near the middle I had to send it back for another minute on the grill but once that was done, it was just like the first bite. All in all I spent around $100 on my meal which included 3 beers, 2 split appetizers, a side of potatoes and the most expensive steak and I don't regret any of it.
(5)
Alex C.
There is no recession at Sparks maybe that explains why the service was some of the worst I have ever experienced. No rib eyes on the menu and my medium steak was cooked well done. When I said something to the waiter he mumbled in Italian "what do you want me to do about it"? Obviously a NY institution worth visiting for tourists, but you can find better beef that is easier on the wallet.
(2)
Thalia M.
I should have ordered the sirloin. But to order the same thing that someone else at the table has already ordered is simply unacceptable so I had to go with something else. Something else ended up being steak fromage which under any and all other circumstances would have been a stellar steak experience, except when sampled side by side with the king of Sparks's steaks -- the sirloin. For the sake of having a balanced meal we offset our large slabs of cow with the fresh mozzarella and tomato (so fresh!), broccoli sauteed in garlic and evoo (should have been warmer), and hash brown potatoes (slow carb diet be damned). Gluttons that we are, we couldn't finish our food, but I am happy to report that the leftover steak was still fabulous the next day, and the day after that.
(4)
Jim K.
I've been coming to Sparks since 1978. Now that I do business in NY I have more opportunities to eat in one of the best Steak Houses in the world. Had dinner here on 9/12/11 with a business associate. I had the usual sirloin with a baked potato. Great piece of meat cooked perfectly. The atmosphere is masculine with heavy, dark wood. The wait staff is old school professional. Waiting tables is their job vs a college student for whom it is a stepping stone. Steaks are the best I've had and consistently so. Sides are sized to share with at least one or two people. Make sure to save room for desert. They clear the table after dinner and, while you're talking & relaxing, magically put fresh linens on the table in a highly choreographed way. Very classy. Take a close look at their Tartufo. First time I had it was here and it is excellent, delicious and simple. Share it with a date or your wife and argue over who gets the cherry in the middle! Prices are high but as I often say, "I never complain about the price as long as everything is right". After 33 years, I have no complaints about Sparks. One additional comment. Come nicely dressed. With the economy what it is restaurants are forced to seat people who would feel more at home at a ball game which diminishes the experience of those who are dressed and conduct themselves appropriately.
(5)
James L.
If I was on death row and had one final meal request, I would request a medium rare Prime Sirloin from Sparks. I can say without hyperbole and without hesitation that Sparks has the best STEAK in NYC and Prime Sirloin be thy name. As a bonus they also sport the most comprehensive and incredible wine list I have ever seen. I'm not going to get into the service, appetizers, sides or the atmosphere, they are irrelevant to this review. Simply put, you will not find a better tasting steak in New York City...maybe anywhere.
(5)
Tony L.
My experience at Sparks was much more memorable due to the company at the time as opposed to the restaurant itself. The occasion was a celebratory dinner with one of my buddies originally from Queens along with some of his closest buddies as well as his parents; we had a fairly large group for our reservation. The ambiance resembles something out of a Ian McEwan novel, full of dark and dreary nostalgia, the perfect setting for a mob of gangsters to plan their next hit (true story?). Although quite spacious, the main dining area can also seem rather stuffy and claustrophobic, especially on busier nights when the noise level is increased. The menu consists of your usual run-of-the-mill cuts of steak, and I usually go with the filet mignon. The quality of the steaks were good and the sides were plentiful and satisfying. Out of the sides, the mushroom buttons and the creamed spinach were my favorites. One thing that did stand out was the wine selection, especially the bottles of wine that my friend had ordered. I remember it being the perfect pairing for my steak that night, my only regret is that I can't recall where it came from... Although the dinner service was generally competent, actually getting seated on time was a challenge regardless of the fact we had reservations. This seems to be a general theme after reading some of the other reviews.
(3)
Karin G.
Sparks is my dad's most memorable experiences in NYC! I brought the fam here because, well, its Sparks! He loved it and tells the story again and again. He especially likes to share that this was the most money he has ever spent on food in his entire life... the bill was 472.85 for four! I am quite sure I'll be hearing that number for the rest of my life... Food was great, steaks are perfect, wine list is awesome. Yes, its pricey, but just what you would expect. Bring your Dad here when he's paying!
(4)
Vincent R.
Sparks is an institution. Big Paulie was whacked by John Gotti's Crew as he stepped out of his limo and onto the street for a nice juicy sSteak. Paulie never made it. Though the Steak is good, it's far from being great. I'd rather eat one of my Steaks if I'm in The Mood for The Best Steak in New York, and That's a STEAK That "I Cook" ... I'll Blow Sparks Out of The Water, any-day-of-the-week .. No Contest, No Kidding!
(4)
Jeanee' B.
I absolutely love this place! Great service and wine selection! Lots of handsome Italian waiters to look at as well! Overall menu is delicious!
(4)
Alexandria B.
Seriously good food. The service was fine (above average compared to other restaurants, but in the league of old school steak houses, about right) and the atmosphere was as expected (yay rich people and the scent of old school swag) and the food was on point. As with other steak houses, the only reason this doesn't get that coveted fifth star IS the fact that the place is teeming with the typical steak house crowd... I understand that these places were made to cater to them, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.
(4)
Michael G.
Juicy, delicious steaks. A bit pricey but worth it.
(4)
Rabbit B.
Just wanted to stop here to give props to the bartending staff. We didn't have time for dinner because we were on our way to a show but just stopped in for a drink. The experience was wonderful. Our bartender was fabulous--professional, friendly and efficient. We couldn't have asked for anyone better to take care of us. As for the atmosphere, it's old school upscale Italian and really lovely. Very quintessential New York City. We'll definitely return and try it for lunch or dinner sometime soon.
(5)
Lisa R.
The only thing I knew about Sparks before I came here the other day was that this was the site where Paul Castellano got shot (that darn John Gotti!). Family friends took us out here for a holiday dinner since they are regulars and are familiar with the menu and staff. I was impressed with this restaurant from start to finish. The service was impeccable, the food was delicious, the wine list was enormous, and the desserts were unique. Everyone had the sirloin steak with the exception of me, I had the Chilean sea bass. All of us were satisfied with our meals. The Chilean sea bass was flaky and tasty, and all they did was grill the fish, plain and simple with no topping. The menu is organized as a la carte, so we ordered a bunch of salads and sides and shared them all. All of the salads had the house dressing; it was obviously homemade and had the right combination of salty and sweet. The sides were the standard steakhouse fare: creamed spinach, potatoes, and other basic vegetable combinations. I ended my meal with a mango sorbet. It was enveloped in its own skin, so I thought that was a luxurious touch. The only reason why I listed this restaurant as four stars opposed to five is the price. As Adam Platt mentioned in his annual restaurant ranking issue for New York Magazine, "it's a worthy stalwart, if you're on a pre-recession expense account."
(4)
R.B. D.
Great cuts of flavorful meat cooked to perfection. This old guard steakhouse still deliversgreat food in a masculine yet refined setting. Prices are not cheap, but still within reason, especially for the quality of meat you get. I've been to far more expensive steakhouses that didn't deliver nearly as good food. The sides are qood and substantial if not predictable. The wine list is extensive and a good quality wine can be found without having to mortgage the co-op. The service is pleasant and attentive, not at all gruff and boorish as I've experienced at other places. If you have an expense account, this is a great place to put it to use!
(4)
Pete C.
Im not usually a sirloin steak fan but at sparks its amazing! Ordered a medium rare sirloin and received one of the best steaks ever. Well seared on the outside with a creamy interior. Perfect! The side dishes were good but the steak stands as one of the best.
(5)
John M.
Alongside Keens, this is one of my favourite restaurants. The meat is pretty much the same as other high quality steakhouses in the city, so these places stand out on the basis of service. Both at the bar and at the table, service was excellent.
(5)
Felix Z.
I had friends from Asia visiting New York for the first time and I wanted to take them to a place that represents the American experience. That place is Spark's, which defines how steak is done for me. Other reviewers complained that it is not extraordinary. If you are looking for avant-garde, this is not the place for you but if you want something reliable and good, you can't do better than Spark's. I didn't have reservations but it was a Monday night. I walked in with two friends and was promptly seated. The service was acceptable. They refilled your water, wiped the table and gave you bread but nothing extraordinary. I like it that way because it matched with the no-nonsense atmosphere of the place. Here is the best part. We ordered three sirloin, their signature dishes along with sides. Their steaks were big (welcome to America my Asian friends) and their sides smaller but delicious. The focus was on the steak, which i appreciated. It is amazing how many places screw up steak. At Spark's it is perfect. My medium rare look redder than my friends' mediums. At some other places, they look exactly the same. Not at Spark's. It was juicy and tender. Every bite was like eating butter. The portions were so big that I couldn't finish. We might be in a bad economy but they weren't shrinking the portion size. We ordered a bottle of wine. The wine list was extensive and the prices reasonable. There wasn't any upselling. I chose a burgundy because my friends can't handle wines that balance out the steak and so they can taste the steak better. No complaining from the server that I wasn't picking something perfect with my steak; they gave me exactly what I wanted. Overall, my friends really enjoyed their steak and it was a good welcome to America. Thank you Spark's for making me look good for my guests.
(5)
susan c.
There are better steakhouses in NYC - don't waste your time or money on this one. Terrible service - totally disorganized! We made a 10person reservation for dinner on Open Table. Our party waited more than 70minutes and eventually gave up since there was no hope of seating in sight - this despite my having called 2 hours prior to reconfirm and being told everything was fine.
(1)
Wonjae Y.
It's still great, but five stars assumes that I think that this is the best restaurant in NYC, and I can't say that anymore. I like Wolfgang's (and all the Peter Luger spin offs) better than Sparks now. To me, the porterhouse at Wolfgang's simply tastes better.
(4)
Brett J.
Horrible food, could care less about their customers .Went there tonight for my birthday dinner with my family. The meat was tough really hard to chew and after 5 or 6 bites I gave up on the sirloin. My son had another steak dish and his was hard to chew as well.The crab scallop appetizer had crab shelll in almost every bite not terrible but not worth spitting out crab shell. Not once did a manager or the server come to ask how the food was. At $50 a plate that is unacceptable When the server was told about the food he told me I should talk to the manager. I said OK please get him. After several times of being told he was coming but is on the phone I just payed the bill and left .Too many really good steakhouses around to waste time and a lot of money on sparks Really disappointing.
(1)
Jeff S.
We went to Sparks a few days back. Zagat rates it as one of the better steakhouses in New York, so I was very excited to go. We were seated pretty quickly, and the place was fairly packed. The ambiance was good for a steakhouse, however a bit too bright for my taste. Still, it was a very nice dining room. The service from the waitstaff was clumsy and oafish. After being seated, it took too long to get menus, and also too long for him to come back and take our order. When I say too long, I mean it was noticeable; we sat there and wondered when we'd get menus and when those finally showed up, when we'd be able to place our orders. In the course of the meal, the waiter managed to spill a drink while changing a tablecloth, knock over jackets, and forget one of our entrees. Additionally, the matre'd was a typical smarmy steakhouse douche. He actually made a few inappropriate comments to the women in our party. That bothered me, but I chalk it up to poor hiring on the part of Sparks management. Final word on the staff there, very poor all around. Down to the food: I got a prime sirloin and the ladies in our party got the Chilean Sea Bass. We also got mushroom caps and baked potatoes. The steak was massive, probably the biggest I've had in a steakhouse. It was served off the bone, and with a minimal amount of fat. Great piece of meat! Unfortunately, it came our very rare rather than medium rare as I ordered. I was hesitant to send it back for extra cooking fearing it would be overdone, but it was fine (though still on the rare side). I should note that the outside was a bit over charred, though not to the detriment of the steak. The texture of the meat was spectacular, and overall, it was indeed a great steak! The Chilean Sea Bass was delicious, it had a nice crust on it and was flaky and flavorful...and HUGE! Those who got it recommend that this be shared, as it's a heap for one person. The sides were basic and overpriced. I have to say, the little things here really take away from the overall experience, and for me, lower the rating. First, the bathrooms suck! When you go it's like you left Sparks and wound up in a Hooter's bathroom, complete with piss and used towels on the floor and graffiti on the doors. Also, the flatware was noticeably worn, in particular, my steak knife was dull. Regarding the pricing, I'm sure you can guess; $45 for a steak, $40 for fish, apps were like $20, and sides about $10. A little on the high side in my opinion for what you get. I know steakhouses tend to be on the high side, but really, how the hell do you charge $10 for 1 potato? I hate price gouging. In the end, it's a competent steakhouse, but there's far better. Del Friso's buries these guys, and nearly every other steakhouse I've been to has done a better job (other than BLT Prime which sucked a monkeys ass). I probably won't go back to Sparks, but perhaps it's worth a try if you want to experiment with New York steakhouses. I gave it 3 stars, but it's really more like a 2.5.
(3)
Zebra G.
This restaurant is amazing. It sets the tone right as you walk in. The Italian Accents, the New Yorkan accents. The history at this restaurant is also intriguing. My boyfriend and I reserved a table on Yelp, which was done without a problem. We were greeted and seated right away. We had their house Merlot which was delicioius. My boyfriend ordered the Prime Sirloin Steak and baked potatoe and I ordered the Halibut and Aspargus. They de-boned the halibut right in front of me which was awesome. The food was beyond delicious, I would go over and over again to this Steakhouse! Our waiter was very attentive, and other waiters also attended us and were very friendly.
(5)
Scott T.
stopped by for dinner on the recommendation of my good friend, SAM ALEXANDER. inside looks like a movie set -- i doubt SPARKS has changed much in the nearly fifty years since they opened. the place has a seriously old-world, masculine vibe and you gotta dress the part. we arrived after a long day with the attorneys and were still in suits. fortunately i didn't get a chance to change into my typical dining attire, NAT NAST silk shirt, faded 501 LEVIS and COSTCO court shoes. would have been a bit out of place. this is definitely an old-boy's-club steakhouse. i half expected the table of kingmakers at the table next to us to fire up CUBANs as they sipped their after-dinner cognacs. started with a world-class martini that took the edge off an otherwise brutal day and settled comfortably into my chair, ready for a perfect dinner -- i was not disappointed. am partial to bone-in, dry aged ribeyes but that's not SPARKS. settled on the STEAK FROMAGE (another SAM recommendation), a wet-aged sirloin cooked to a perfect medium rare and nestled beneath a blanket of melted roquefort. nice crust, well-seasoned, a melt in your mouth steak that paired perfectly with a STAGLIN FAMILY CAB from their extensive wine selection. now, where's that COHIBA ???
(5)
Adela R.
Wondrous. The food. The drinks. The people. Not only is this a true historical gem, for many reasons, in our city, but the food is just fantastic. The best steaks in the city. The best sides. The best deserts. No table in the restaurant is a "bad one". If you are going here for dinner, you will be absolutely pleased. The bar? THE BEST!!! If you want a cool, chill, "Old New York" style place to have a few glasses of wine...or 10 martinis...this is one of the best places to plop yourself down. The bar is nice and long and I swear, every time I go, which is about once every two weeks, I meet the nicest, most interesting people. Claim to fame: I once met a couple of very famous Egyptian movie stars here a couple of years ago with my Mom. What a night. P.S. I love the manager :) Habibi!!!
(5)
David D.
went here with my best friends. the place is classy. the steak is mouth-watering and meltilicious. the wine is so good. is the chef here a electrician? because the steak had sparks in my mouth! delicious.
(5)
Ryan L.
This place is unbelievably... mediocre... at best... I should have known better than to go here when I looked at the menu. I was in disbelief when I saw there were really only two streaks on the menu. I figured I must be missing something so I decided to give it a try. Nope... Only two steaks. They have a fillet and a sirloin. No ribeye, no porterhouse, no NY strip and absolutely nothing with a bone in it. I was so disappointed I ordered a piece of halibut. Then I watched a filet arrive at the table next to me and was impressed with the size so I changed my order to the filet with a side of creamed spinach and a side of mushrooms. The filet arrived cooked perfectly but it didn't taste much better than Outback. The mushrooms were just mushrooms, nothing special about them and the creamed spinach didn't even have any cream in it as far as I could tell. I also ordered the cold asparagus salad which was nothing more than a dozen (perfectly cooked) asparagus spears on a bed of lettuce with some Kraft Italian dressing on top. Never again.
(1)
Victor K.
At the end of my summer internship at a financial firm, my boss took me here for a sort of final goodbye dinner. It was kinda ridiculously fancy. Paintings smothered the walls, and it seemed like there was a server for every 2 tables. I have never been to a restaurant with a dress code as fancy as Sparks. It's OK I'm still in college so I think that's a normal thing. For an appetizer my boss ordered the Lump Crab Meat Cocktail. So much crab! I was almost full off the bread and crab before even starting my entree. I ordered the Filet Mignon as I didn't have many opportunities in my life to sample such a fine meat. After receiving the hunk of steak I quickly realized this place was known to have super gigantic portions. I of course didn't finish my steak, but the servers were glad to put my steak in a box for me. On my way out they gave me the box in a fine Spark's plastic bag. I left the restaurant still in shock by the bougie once in a lifetime experience I just had. What is a normal night out for a broker was something really special for me. Obviously I'm not an experienced steakhouse eater, so my rating may be slightly inflated (as you can tell I've reviewed quite a share of fast food places :P) Later the next day I seared the leftover steak on some butter, and, to be honest, it tasted better than when I had it in the restaurant. Hopefully one day I can come back to this restaurant and treat him to the same kind of meal my boss treated me. Oh and I almost forgot, this is where John Gotti had Paulie Castellano whacked!! Wicked!
(5)
Jane R.
Came here on a Friday night for my bf's birthday dinner. We were a party of 4 and once we checked out coats, we were seated. The decor is terribly amazingly old. I felt like I was in Clue - old photos but too much of it, picture frames everywhere and old wallpaper. Overall it's a large restaurant with plenty of tables. It seemed like a majority of the clientele were male business folk. There seemed to be some tourists as well. Either way, they definitely don't allow for you to bring a bottle of wine as we learned. They said we would be charged a corking fee that is equal to their cheapest bottle of wine which is $45 or $50. We ended up getting two bottles of red wine, plus sides/apps and entrees and dessert. Nothing on this menu is cheap by any means yet nothing on this menu is small either. We also ordered prosciutto with melon and mozzarella and tomato for appetizers. We ordered hash brown potatoes, spinach and asparagus as sides for the entrees (which FYI, is all meat). I ordered the cheapest entree which was chopped steak at $37 and it was still enough to feed a few people. Everyone at my table ordered the filet mignon which was delicious and I wish I had ordered that as well. It was huge, it was over half the size of the plate itself. For dessert, our server did put a candle in my bf's chocolate cake. They have a large dessert menu from cakes to ice cream to fruit with whipped cream. Overall, the food is delicious and the service is great. Decor could be much better.
(5)
Paul T.
When you think "NYC Steakhouse " Sparks should be what comes to mind. Spacious yet cozy, elegant yet informal or formal, classic yet trendy. The interior, wood furnishings, carpet under your feet , and overhead chandeliers. Your greeted immediately upon entering, and you know, it's going to be an experience. I recommend going to the bar, to start the night off; allowing for the full experience, while your table is being prepped. After being seated and overlooking the menu, I went with what they are known for, "The Prime Sirloin Steak"; Ribeye or Porterhouse was out of the question. Not on the menu. The steak was good, but not great, like I was expecting. I enjoyed the appetizers much more. The shrimp cocktail, jumbo and juicy. The shrimp scampi, buttery and sweet, and the baked clams, cooked to perfection. The wine list is fantastic as well, and reasonably priced, if you know your wine. I enjoyed my night, but it doesn't make my top five.
(3)
JohnnyPrime.C. C.
I had the "prime sirloin" on the recommendation of the waiter; their "signature steak." I asked for medium rare, but what I received was a jumble of medium rare, rare and flat out RAW. I had to ask the guy to re-fire it as I got into the center of the cut, and even then it was under cooked when it came back - still raw and rare in parts. My buddy ordered his filet medium, and his too came back mostly medium rare, rare and RAW. This is unacceptable. The filet bite that I did have was good, however. My "prime sirloin" was good around the edges, where it was cooked, but otherwise the inside had all the tell-tale signs of NOT being a true strip; so I was lied to. Sirloin is NOT strip. There was stringy, uncooked white ribbons of connective tissue, some chewy, dense areas, and lots of undercooked portions. If you are dead set on eating here, do yourself a favor and stick to the somewhat safe filet, and order it a step or two past what you normally like in terms of doneness. For a full steakhouse review based on 10 categories and a 100-point scoring system, go to my site
(2)
Anton D.
My Partner and I went to sparks with a couple of friends also from Florida. Though we travel to the City at least twice a year, no trip is complete unless we make it to Sparks. This is the best Steak I have tasted anywhere, and I have been to some of the greatest Steakhouses out there. The service is superb with a knowledgeable staff. The wine list is to die for. The signature Steak is the Sirloin, (I know I know "Oh I only eat Filet, or Porterhouse) believe me I would put Spark's Sirloin up against anyones filet or Porterhouse. It is just that good. BTW don't miss one of the best deserts in town after a big steak dinner, try the Berries Romanoff. It is fantastic
(5)
A-List R.
I'm not big on steak, or steakhouses. As it was, this place prices itself among the most elite steakhouses, and seems to deliver. If that's your thing, this place is fine, but if that's your thing, wouldn't you be better of at Palms? Minor complaint - Manhattan's are supposed to be made with Rye. They don't have rye. The Maker's Mark Manhattan was ok.
(3)
Rob S.
Went in for dinner last night, and explained having to send my steak back two times when I brought in guests. They served up a perfectly cooked slab. Confidence restored. Still #1.
(5)
Cristin T.
DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY OR CAB FARE! My husband and I are from Texas (land of the great steak) ventured To NY for Christmas and this was our "splurge" - it was not worth it. We were not greeted at the door as if they wanted us there - it was "Hi, your name?". Then we sat at our table for 10 minutes before even being approached. Then it took another 5 minutes to get the water glasses set on our table and filled. Then the waiter came to our table and simply said " What can I get you?". We asked for suggestions, he had none and could barely speak english. He really never came back again other than to drop the apps off. We had to ask for more bread when our one piece was gone. Even then, he NEVER asked us if we were ok, can I get you anything else while you wait - nothing. They brought the steaks and left, never asked if they were cooked ok, can I get you anything...nothing. The steak was huge and although it was good, it was not $50 good (and that is just for the steak). It was cooked Medium rare and not medium - and I never could send it back because the waiter was gone. The sides were nothing special at all and I beleive I could have cooked them better myself. Nothing about this place was special or made you go WOW at all. All of the sides looked as if they were premade and sitting under a heat lamp for at least an hour. A manager never came by to ask how our dinner was- which is customary at high end steakhouses in Dallas. We have been to del friscos and 3 forks in Dallas many times and we truly felt jipped out of a good experience at Sparks because it was so bad. It was a $300 dinner - we went to Tony Napoli's the next night and spent $80 and had a MUCH better experience and food. Please take our warning - DO NOT WASTE YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY. If you have to have a steak, go to Del Friscos - there is one in times square.
(1)
Nick K.
Pros: - Top notch sirloin steak - Super extensive wine list - Old-fashioned waiters - Largest (physically) menus I've ever seen - Spacious dining area Cons: - Waiters are too anxious to clear the table - Steak side dishes were so-so - So many old men in suits - is this a steakhouse or strip club? - Weird dinner roll distribution - Dated decor was dreary, not classic Verdict: If steak, wine and NYC time warps are your thing, then Sparks is probably worth the substantial dent in your bank account. However, if drab decor, mediocre side dishes and hordes of old business men are not, then browse Yelp, not Zagat, for an alternative steakhouse.
(3)
Wanderlust Y.
I've been here twice, so far, and although I loved everything about this establishment, the decor food and service runs on a system of old school male charm per se. Walking into a steakhouse in a party of 4 Asian women I guess brings about a certain type of attention, but it was a tad too much at times? with our waiter.
(4)
Chris S.
This place is absolutely my favorite in all of NYC. The steak is top notch, possibly the best steak I ever had. The wine list is pretty big. Has a really cool old steakhouse ambiance. the waiters are pros...top notch. I absolutely love everything about the place. i will definitely be back ASAP.
(5)
Frank W.
Bottom line: Great wait staff, great steak, great wine list. Poor door service, poor accompaniments. For fancy steakhouses, there are better for the price. But it's a crowded market. Got many of the experiences that one can get from a steakhouse in one night. Overall I was impressed in some ways but disappointed in others. We arrived around 6:15p to help seat some corporate dinners. The greet staff did an extremely poor job of hiding their displeasure at helping us find our dinners. More-so, they were confused at the fact that people referenced the HOSTS of the dinner.. which I don't understand. You'd think that would be very basic to understand. After we got away from the door the wait staff was very helpful. We were able to seat everyone and enjoy dinner ourselves within an hour or so. Drinks at the bar helped keep us up and the bartenders were very friendly and quick to serve us another. Always a good thing. The wine list was extensive. Yet another good thing. Pours were modest.. ehhhh... After an hour wait we were seated ourselves in the middle of the floor. I wish the acoustics of this restaurant were better, because I was literally shouting most of the dinner to my friends across the table. Ah well, this is the life in a pretentious business steakhouse. The food here was delicious. We started with Buffalo motz appetizer which was simple and fresh. The steaks were cooked superbly (I had the filet and I can't recall a better filet) but the sides were very underwhelming, and the bread was stale. I guess you know what they focus on.
(3)
Racquelle T.
WOW!! Amazing service and food! We were treated like kings and queens. For appetizers we had the combination of baked clams and shrimp scampi, shrimp cocktails, fresh buffalo mozzarella with sliced tomato. Now who can get these wrongs? I absolutely love shrimp scampi so naturally I have to rave about that. As for the entree, they brought out 2 lobsters, filet mignon, and steak fromage. I tasted each and every single one of them and I was in heaven. They had a very good selection of wine. Not a fan of the reds but I enjoyed whichever one was poured in front of me. The atmosphere was great. Old school, classic charm. Will pay them a visit again!
(5)
Mike A.
The filet mignon is one of the tops in the city. It is perfectly medium rare inside and charred on the outside. We went on Friday with a group of 12, our waiter Rachid, took excellent care of us. It is a great spot and reasonable priced ($100 p/p with drinks) for the quality. Expect a lively and loud atmosphere.
(4)
Nancy M.
Largest winelist I've seen anywhere... Huge steaks cooked to perfection and delicious seafood!
(5)
Dave H.
Great Steak. I ordered the filet and it was huge and delicious. They change your table after each service. Will return again, when in the city.
(5)
Justin S.
I sent you a letter as well. My name is in your reservation system for Saturday night the 29th of December. You can check my server there...however; he did not make the small portion of the meat. You need to change your website...it shows the steak I used to eat for the money I also sent you a letter which you ignored.
(1)
Dennis S.
Great for lunch, but skip dinnertime, unless you want to see where the New Jersey Italians come for dinner. (This review won't get me shot, will it?) Locals love to talk about how you can still see blood stains on the cement out front from where a mob boss was gunned down in 1985. Yea, right, just like my daughter can always see where I spilled the red wine on the carpet five years ago! The steaks are great, as are the lamb chops. It's just that the atmosphere is old, worn, and made somewhat comic by the clientele. Your only worry at dinnertime these days is that the hairspray in one of the ladies' bouffant hairdos will ignite and start a fire. If you're wearing a suit and can remember Caroline Kennedy as a little girl, go for lunch (assuming you have someplace to take a nap afterwards). Huge portions.
(3)
Beth R.
A manly, classic steakhouse. Dim, lots of dark wood, warm shades of deep red and gold in the dining room. The service was very smooth and traditional (waiters wearing ties/bowties, addressing us as "sir" and "miss"). With all the options in NY, I landed on Sparks for this special occasion dinner both because of the frequent appearances in "best steakhouses of NY" lists, and the history factor (this is where the Castellano hit took place in the 80's). Food: The food was classic steakhouse fare. We started with the baked clams and shrimp scampi appetizer. It was a smallish quantity of food (2 shrimp and 4 clams), but everything was delicious. The waiter helpfully divided it into two dishes for us, when we indicated that we planned to share it. Very nice of him. I had the filet mignon medium rare, and shared a side of hash browns. The filet was huge. I ate maybe half of it. The side was plenty for 2 people to share. Finally we had the chocolate truffle for dessert, which was rich and delicious. I don't think the prices are noted on their website, but in case you were wondering, the wine list starts around $45 and goes sky-high. They have at least 20 bottles to choose from in the $50 range. Attire: A comment on dress... since it was a Saturday night, we came dressed up (no jeans). Oddly there were a lot of folks in very dressed down attire (i saw some sweat shirts and shorts), so I don't think you'd be turned away, but it really is a nice atmosphere that seems to beg for something more than flip flops.
(4)
Finola K.
Good steak, reservations are worthless. We had a good meal here but it wasn't worthy of a one-hour-past-reservation-time wait, especially on a Monday night. We had a tomato and onion salad to start, and the tomato and mozarella salad. Both were fine but not outstanding. Either would have been ample for two. I had the filet mignon, medium rare my dining companion had the sirloin in a gorgonzola sauce. rare (it's not on the menu but the waiter suggested the sirloin over the filet for this dish). Both cuts of meat were more than generous and perfectly cooked. Our waiter was friendly and attentive and made good suggestions about the steak. I wasn't impressed with the creamed spinach; it was bitter and one spoonful was plenty. The hash brown potatoes were excellent with a nice, crispy crust. We shared the Mixed Berries Romanoff for dessert which was a good, not too heavy ending to the meal. Decor is an afterthought, though I did like that the room was carpeted and the tables were spread at a good distance so that the large party seated nearby didn't ruin our conversation. It's definitely old school, portions are enormous and I would dine here again, but I would make a "reservation" for an hour before I actually planned to eat.
(4)
Edward F.
The steaks were fine, but the sides were unbelievably salty. I like salty food, but our sides were inedibly salty.
(2)
Michael W.
I've heard good things about this place and got to try it on my birthday. The steak was alright. Very standard sirlon steak, as large as it is. I can't say that it stood out to Keenes, Morton, Capital Grille, Delmonico's, Strip House, or Quality Meats. All I remember is the steak was pretty fatty. Cream spinach was good. I might try it again. Maybe I just order the wrong cut.
(3)
Hailey H.
There are a lot of good steakhouses in NYC and in most big cities. But this ranks amongst the best due to atmosphere, history and quality of food. It's hard to say try it out because it is expensive just to thrown down that kind of money, BUT for a special occasion, it's definitely worth treating yourself to!
(4)
Marcy S.
Everyone I know told me, "you have to eat at Sparks"....well, I did and it was not good at all. The steak was not a great cut of meat and wasn't cooked well either. Needless to say, I was extremely disappointed. I've had much better steaks at chain restaurants.
(1)
T C.
I had a memorable experience at Sparks years ago, and thought about re-living it when my brother-in-law was in town and staying at a nearby hotel. What a disappointment! Firstly, how can you call yourselves a "steak house" when only two steaks are on the menu? A filet mignon, and the waiter-touted house special - a shell steak? Against my better judgement, I order the shell steak. It was cooked as ordered, but come on - its a shell steak. It is tough by nature, and this was no exception. Where are the porterhouses? The ribeye's? At $49 dollars, I expected that steak to send shivers. It did not. Sides were simply fillers - nothing special. Wait staff was unfriendly and stuffy. And the men's bathroom was hideous! Nuff said. I won't be back. Do yourself a favor and go to one of NYC's truly memorable steakhouses - Strip House. Always a fabulous experience.
(2)
Xia W.
nice place for a date. great seafood and steak dishes great service
(4)
Val G.
This was our second visit to Sparks in the last six months. The food is always amazing and the service was up to it's usual standard-excellent. My lobster was the size of an alligator and extremely tender. The dressing on the mixed greens salad was really great and the "exquisite" roquefort on top was just that-exquisite. I will say, however that the filet mignon was not as "perfect" as the cut we had in May. Although absolutely delicious, It was fatty and that was disappointing. I hope that it was just a one time issue.
(4)
Lloyd M.
Always has been my favorite steak house and did not disappoint this time (and I go to many steak houses). I actually ordered a lobster instead of beef, for the first time ever, and it was awesome (I've had it before as a starter). The beauty is it is perfectly cooked but more importantly shelled, so it is no trouble to eat the meat. And there is definitely enough meat. I ordered the smallest size available, 3-3.5 lbs, and it was a ton of food. The hash browns were also great, I could not resist taking fork after fork. Not cheap but many other NY restaurants have caught up, actually found it reasonable.
(5)
Emily S.
This was my first steak since the all-out beefathon I had in Argentina 3 months ago, and I was not disappointed. I would hazard to say that their filet may be the best I've had in NYC-- on par with Wolfgang's or maybe better. The atmosphere: total boy's club testosterone fest. It's a huge big open space filled with raucous tables, mostly businessmen, and the guys at the table next to us displayed that oh-so-lovely douchey quality that steakhouses like this seems to breed. (Their loudest conversation was about how a trampy girl they'd met earlier "soo wanted to party with us". Um yes, I am sure she did, with your ill-advised faux hawk, middleaged beer gut, and Rockport slip-ons.) The menu reflects that most people are dining on expense accounts ($20 shrimp cocktail that includes a whopping total of 4 shrimp, $15 for a bowl of fruit with whipped cream on it, etc). However, the aforementioned filet is worth it-- although it is big enough that we split it between 2 people. The hash browns are incredible-- the perfect crispy potato taste. I would give it 4 stars except the service was slow and inattentive, which probably wasn't helped by the fact that we were seated at the corner table in the way back. Additionally, the waiter gave us a hard time when we asked to used multiple cards to pay the check (not separate checks-- just splitting the charge across cards.) I guess they aren't used to groups of coworkers splitting the check. He also insisted that he wanted to keep the cash that one coworker had put in as his tip-- real classy, my friend-- which forced us to recalculate the charge. Then, he complained afterwards that we didn't tip him enough!
(3)
Jaimee A.
Love this steakhouse! The food is delicious. The steaks are yum as are their lobsters. My husband got a steak covered in roquefort cheese and as nasty as that sounds, it was delicious. The only negative is that even with a reservation you have a fairly decent wait for your table.
(4)
Jonathan B.
Terrible service. Food average. Will not be back.
(2)
Alena B.
YUM! This place was amazing. We had a great anniversary here with lovely steaks...sides and most of all dessert. We ordered a simple ice cream and fruit dessert but it was amazing. We came here because of the restaurants notoriety but were overwhelmed by how good it really is. The staff is courteous and friendly and wonderful! The presentation was fabulous. I recommend this place for a great night out with someone special. Pricey but worth it!
(4)
Kevin M.
A great steak house. Food and service were great. I do not mind spending the extra $$$ for a great steak house.
(4)
Marissa F.
The food here was awesome! I was visiting from out of town and this place was recommended. I went on a Wednesday night and it wasn't packed, the wait staff was very nice and attentive. The food was delicious, however, the portions are HUGE! I know at some places you don't get enough, but I felt bad that I had to waste so much food! I got the filet and a side of mushroom caps and it was enough for 2! If you get a side, share it with someone because it's too much. They were both delicious though! I highly recommend the mushroom caps!!! I would recommend this place! Very good!
(5)
Taka A.
Great Manhattan steakhouse....atmosphere, service but mainly the beef cow. Cause bro guy, why go to a steakhouse if you ain't gonna get the steak? Sparks is known for their Sirloin and it does not dissapoint time and time again. Unlikee Peter Lugers though, even if you look out of place, the wait staff won't bark at you...they will be nice and curteous through the difficulties of ordered a steak and veg.
(5)
Shawn Y.
Considered to be one of the more affordable high-quality steakhouses, Sparks Steakhouse is also known for having an extensive and well-valued wine list. The prime sirloin steak is the most revered cut of meat, and the Roquefort dressing is also highly recommended.
(5)
Duong N.
The worst service I've EVER experienced. The food was definetly delish, however with the horrible service, can't say that I'll ever return. I would have given the restaurant more stars however the 1 plus hour wait after we had reservations took it down one star. The entire staff was rude, harsh, and waiters even bickered at each other in front of us. Just total bad vibe. Them missing our appetizer completely, interupting us while we ordered, the waiter having b.o., having to remind the waiter to bring our water and wine, waiting forever to have them take away our food and provide us with dessert menus, waiter not ever checking up on us, and ultimately overcharging us for something we didn't order resulted in 2 more star down. In terms of the food: Hash browns- amazing. Filet was perfectly cooked (medium rare) and just melted in my mouth. Lobster was huge and absolutely lovely. Tartufo was good as well. For the 300 dollar meal, I was hoping for a better experience.
(2)
Karen F.
Big honkin' hunks of meat on a plate. This is a Man's-man/Guy's guy steakhouse. You want it rare? It'll be perfectly rare. (I tend to order medium rare here.) The testosterone level is a bit high here - but what steak house isn't? It's pricey - but you will get PRIME beef and plenty of it. The sides are classics - from fried and baked (and house special) potatoes to creamed (artery clogging) spinach.
(4)
Dorian B.
I was looking forward to going to Sparks for my birthday this past weekend. I was highly disappointed. First off I was looking for a romantic setting which this was far from romantic. They sit you in a very loud room filled with many tables of parties of 6 or more. Waiters are bustling through the restaurant with carts. The attire of the place is not dressy. I saw many in jeans with backpacks. The atmosphere is very casual. The menu is overly priced. I ordered the Shrimp Cocktail $20.00 which was just ok a dish with four large shrimp on a bed of lettuce. My husband ordered the Caesar Salad with anchovies and there were no anchovies at all in the salad. I ordered the Filet Mignon medium and it was delivered to me rare barely cooked and a bit fatty. Beef really had no flavor to it I have been to other steak houses and they all seem to have their own special flavor this was like a slab of beef they put under the broiler and cooked not really testing to see if it was what the customer ordered cost $51.00. You would think they would know how to make a decent medium filet mignon being steaks are what they specialize in. Your choice of potato is either baked or hash browns. I figured I would try the hash browns I think they sprinkled the potatoes with bacon bits to add flavor although they deny it I think it tasted like bacon and a bit on the salty side nothing special. We ordered the spinach and it was overly cooked. Husband ordered Halibut at $42.00 I think they could have done better it was ok nothing special. They have a well stocked bar as well as a nice wine list cheapest bottle of wine is $54.00 but this is to be expected in any steak house. Like I said the place is overly priced not your classy type of atmosphere. Jeans and sneakers are acceptable. The atmosphere reminded me of walking into a family style restaurant loud and noisy with large parties. I also DO NOT trust a place that can not tell you where there beef comes from with that being said I will not be returning or recommending this place to anyone.
(1)
Melissa B.
This really could have been the best steak I have ever eaten....and I'm not a huge steak eater. I got the $45 sirloin (sides are extra), which I was told was the specialty, and it was so very delicious! Great flavor and seasoning. We ordered just about every side dish as well and all were great. I really liked the crunchy potatoes and creamed spinach. Mmm mmm. I see why the mobsters with the big money used to come here, and may still.
(5)
Frank M.
Fantastic. The steak was fantastic, the wine was fantastic, the ambiance was fantastic, even my date's chilean sea bass was fantastic. First, the restaurant is very elegant. Less "manly" than I thought it would be (had concerns about going with a date instead of my buddies) and more classic or "New Orleans-y." Think red carpets, red mini-chandeliers, white table cloths, and many, many painted landescapes almost wallpapering the walls. We had a reservation at 8 pm on a Saturday night and were seated immediately in the main dining room. The waiter was polite and attentive, always keeping a careful eye on our table and our wine glasses, without being at all instrusive. Bufalo mozzarella and tomato was a great starter. Fresh and delicious. Filet mignon was large, tender, and cooked perfectly to order. Chilean sea bass was light, flakey, and delicious. We like pinot noirs and Panther Creek Vineyard's offering hit the spot. I shall definitely return to Sparks.
(4)
Jerrica J.
Met up with a client and her family for dinner to discuss her wedding! Service: Five Stars Food: Five Stars Ambiance: Five Stars Great place for sharing! We shared a huge 4 lb lobster, baked clams, tomato and buffalo mozzarella salad, four porterhouse steaks, and a halibut steak for me. For side dishes, we had baked potato, creamed spinach and mushroom caps. Yummy! Everything was cooked to perfection. They do not even need to put any unnecessary sauces on the meats! Just a little seasoning. The staff was super friendly, and treated us very well. I'm impressed!
(5)
Lada P.
Come for the story, come for the legend. You can come for the food as well. If I was you I tried if for the meat. What would John Gotti have?
(4)
David W.
Went here last Thursday night and the place was pretty slow, so I'm not going to chalk the meal up to them being too busy. I got the sirloin...which was decent, but I would expect a lot better since this is supposed to be one of the top steakhouses in the city. It may have been because it's not dry aged...which usually helps create a strong flavor. The sides were disappointing as well. We got the potatoes, creamed spinach, and mushroom caps. The potatoes were pretty good, but the spinach and mushrooms were not anything special, which would be fine until you realize you're paying over $10 per side. Overall there are several steakhouses which are better to spend $100/person at, though it seems like all of the "classic" places in the city have been rapidly declining in quality for some reason.
(2)
Wun M.
Service: maitre d - was terrible. Ignored me when I mentioned I had a reservation. When my client showed up the maitre d sat us away from the main dining area and dumped us near the loud noisy bar section. Hmmmm.....Profiling? I don't want to go off on a tangent with this but wear a business suit/tie if you want to be treated seriously. I guess business casual isn't enough. Service: waiters - professional, respectful and checked on us without rushing us out of there. Food: pretty good. I ordered the filet medium temp and it was a nice big piece of steak. My client ordered the lamb chop and that was pretty good as well. If the maitre d started the night off with a smile I think I would have given this place 4 or 5 stars. I've had a better experience at "The Striphouse" in terms of service, food selection and food preparation. I would come back to Sparks if the situation called for it.
(3)
Lawrence C.
For a certain kind of foodie, the NYC steakhouse issue begins with Peter Luger, ends with Keens, and has nothing in between. A more nuanced carnivore realizes there's more to it than that, with places like Strip House, BLT Prime, and Del Frisco's filling certain niches. And then there's Sparks. I can't skip mentioning the old-world feel of the place, the dark, heavy woods, the sheer masculinity of it all; only Keens can match it on the atmosphere front. But let's talk food. In fact, let's compare and contrast with the late-and-not-so-lamented Craftsteak: for New York strips alone, its menu had a 28-day dry-aged cut, a 42-day one, a 56-day one, one sourced from Niman Ranch, one from Pine Ridge Farm in Maine, grass-fed versions from Montana and Hawaii, and Wagyus from Texas and Miyazaki, Japan. Sparks' solitary equivalent, the "prime sirloin steak", is not sourced from anywhere (at least not listed on the menu). I think we can be sure that neither grass nor Wagyu is involved. Indeed, it's not even dry-aged, the pinnacle of the steakhouse's art. When I found out this last fact, I started to become skeptical. Then I realized that Sparks does not offer any bone-in cuts. Nary a porterhouse or a rib-eye to be seen. No bones! I mean, how good could it be? I shouldn't have worried. My convives and I ordered three sirloins. (You'd be criminal to order filet mignon at a place like this.) They came in Spartan simplicity: a thick slab of meat on a plate. No pre-slicing. No baked potato. No baby carrots. No parsley. No butter ladled on top. No sauce of any sort. It was charred at a medium level for a steakhouse -- far better that than, say, Smith and Wollensky, whose steaks are frankly encrusted in ash. Needless to say, the portion was generous, which it better be for $45. So, the visual test was cleared. Next. The estimable Alan Richman eviscerated Sparks' cooking consistency a few months ago. I don't know if he lit a fire under the cooks' asses or if my convives and I just got lucky, but each of our steaks was cooked precisely to spec. A contrast to the Luger approach, where you are given a rather underdone steak that continues to cook on the crazily hot plate. I'm not claiming Sparks' superiority here; it's just a style thing. But it was nice to have a properly rested piece of meat for once. And then the meat itself. No dry-aging means none of the deep funk that that process endows upon a steak. I can't say I didn't miss it, but there is also a place in this world for wet-aged beef. Sparks is that place. The texture was pure beef; meat that sublimates in the mouth is all well and good, but sirloins benefit from a bit of chew. Besides, the sheer concentration of flavor released upon mouth contact was more than enough to make you forget about any tenderness issues. The char tasted as perfect as it looked. As far as side dishes go, the mushroom caps were boring and oversalted. But the creamed spinach was lovely, blended into a near puree worth sopping up with bread. It was definitely far superior to Luger's version (which is basically spinach with a whole lot of cream thrown on top). The desserts were even better, surprisingly. The tartuffo was a fine example of the form, the chocolate shell more delicate than usual. I'd been to L'Arte del Gelato earlier that day, but I was duly reminded that good ol' American ice cream hits the spot sometimes too. And the cheesecake was ridiculously good in the classic style, the concave top proving it had been baked (unlike the Cheesecake Factory's gelatin-laden insults), the filling sinfully creamy. Who knew a steakhouse could beat Two Little Red Hens on *baking* turf? Sparks didn't beat Peter Luger or Keens on the steak turf, for sure. I never expected it to. But it does a classic, classic sirloin. I think any carnivore knows that there are times when nothing else -- not even a porterhouse -- will do. For that alone, after all these years, it remains a must-try for steakhouse aficionados. Probability of return within 1 year: 20%, but only this low because there's so many other worthy steakhouses to revisit
(4)
Stefanos M.
Service is greater than Food. This place has some of the best service I have ever experienced in a restaurant. I went for a work event and of course we ordered everything we could off the menu. Wine is exceptional, but it better be at the prices they have. The food itself however is just OK, especially for the price tag. I got the lamb chops and they were really good, but nothing too impressive food wise. My ratings are always only about the food quality to price ratio, as thats why people go to restaurants, hence the 2-star rating. Probably would never go back (unless it was free again).
(2)
Stephany B.
Sparks is classic New York steakhouse in every sense of the word. This place is straight out of a mobster movie with slabs if meat and curt waiters to make you feel right at home. The wine list is extensive and I highly recommend a bottle to go with your meal. We were in a party of six and ordered a few bottles for the table. The meat is not dry aged so the flavor is not as intricate but is still very good. We order oysters to start which were very fresh but the mignonette was not that of a oyster house. The fresh horseradish made up for it though. The waiter was very curt and straightforward as he should be in a place like this. On of the other girls in our party got bent out of shape when he was short with her and I explained that sorta comes with the territory of a meat house like this. He was not rude he was as he should be. One of the temps if the filets was a bit under what she wanted (she ordered medium well and it was far more medium rare. I like bloody steak so we switched) that of course means mine was a bit over as well but i was not going to send it back as it was still very very good. We got a few of the sides (mushrooms, potatoes, creamed spinach) and all were acceptable. IMHO unnecessary when you have 10 oz of meat in front of you. We were all a bit shocked at the price but with three bottles of wine it'll creep up on you. It ended up being about $150 per person (So $300 for a couple) which seemed steep. Because I have had steak just as good (perhaps even better) at other steakhouses I will not be back but the experience of Sparks was well worth it. It is a snapshot in time of an old hollywood mob movie but is in no way pretentious or trying too hard.
(4)
Jurgen J.
This place reminds me of old hollywood mob movies. The place is very old new york. You would see a lot of people in suits and little tourist. First of all the steak is good. But it's not that good. I prefer Peter Luger's or Morton's (I'm giving Benjamin a shot next week). The steak is simple, my guess is they spiced it with salt pepper grilled it on one side, grilled it on the other side, tossed it in a boiler/oven for a few minutes and let it rest then served it in a hot plate. As i said before, the scene is very classic and the food is also classic steakhouse food. Good but not great.
(3)
Rob R.
Having never seen a picture of Sparks (inside the restaurant) it was exactly as expected - but much larger. Dark wood and red colors, very old school from the white shirt/black tie very professional service to the fare. I liked the fact that besides the many awards and news articles about them (no mob hit references though) there was an autographed picture of Joe Torre - very New York. The wine list was extensive, and you could have your choice of bottles under $50 (although not much under), but if you felt the need to spend $100+ your options were limitless. On to the food, the appetizers were a little pricey even by manhattan prices, 2 shrimp, 2 clams for $22 - they were good, but a little high. The steaks were priced more inline with what I expected $45 for a very large cut of filet, mine was ordered medium rare and it was perfect, I would guess it was alteast 12oz. The side dishes were all priced reasonably, we had the hash browned potatoes and they were good, but I would have to say the best steak side I have ever had was the truffle mac n cheese at the Club A steak house in the upper east side. Overall, I was very happy with my Sparks experience.
(4)
Matthew P.
First off, before moving to NYC, I was a Sparks addict and ate here at least once every time I was in the area. After attending a work dinner last evening I have come to this conclusion: anybody who thinks this place is better than Wolfgang's is bat sh!t crazy and is a testament to why waterboarding should be legal. I ordered the fillet (I have had bad sirloins here before so I thought this was a safer play. Who could screw up a fillet right?). The portion size is big, and the meat is more than ample to feed several stray dogs. At times I found myself in want of a chainsaw. For a $60 piece of meat I should not get a workout cutting it or worry about how I am going to spit out the fat/tendon ball in my mouth without anyone noticing. The quality of the steak is O.K., (good crust, not a ton of flavor) but is usually undercooked, and they serve bad cuts way too frequently for the price. Gotti shot Castellano and Bilotti outside of Sparks... hopefully you only need this review to make you come to your sense and save you from a lackluster meal.
(2)
Wayne L.
Overall for this place was good, esp for Steak. This is my third time here, First one was great, second was good. This was horrible. Arrived at 9pm on Friday, The house was not full, me and gf were placed in the worst seat in the house, a dead corner blocked by a column. But since we came here for the food/steak, we didn't bother that much, but I could see there were plenty of empty tables across their big room. Compare to our last two visit, those waiters were top level service. The waiter we had this time was lazy and unfriendly, he didn't come back to check on us until end of the meal. The steak we had was not a good cut , small and tough. The worst part came after we finish our meal. I had a gift card from this place, used it once in July, and I was going to use the remaining balance for this visit. But they decline the card, and told me the card was expired, but there was no expiration date on their gift card. Did I mention this place is racist, esp when you dress down. I hate this kind of places. Piss me off, never back again. If you come, beware to dress well, don't use their gift card (no number listed, cant check balance), and good luck finding a good waiter.
(1)
Christina M.
3 1/2 stars for a very clean and welcoming atmosphere. The appetizers were small and expensive. The waiter was hard to flag down for refills. The steak was subpar, definitely not a Luger steak. I got the sirloin, my father had the blue cheese topped sirloin. My sirloin was fine, I got it medium, cooked good and VERY big. It was a little to charred on the outside for my liking, inside was cooked well though so not a huge complaint but it was somewhat dry. My fathers steak with the blue cheese was very over powering, I had one bite and couldn't eat it. He said he liked it but not my taste. Overall good experience, would I go back for the price? No, but happy I tried it!
(3)
Stacy T.
Oddly I didn't enjoy this place as much as I thought I would. Loved the old school vibe and throwback appeal, but the food was only slightly above average. The steaks were high quality well marbled cuts, but the sea bass I had was slightly fishy. Not cool when you are paying close to $40 an entree. That was the only real dinger of the evening, becuase I had ordered it I felt a little like a chump. Service was what I was really impressed by. The staff is outstanding and makes you feel like you are the only diner in the whole establishment. They were meticulous with the plates, silverware, and making sure we had everything we needed at all times without intruding into our conversations. Perfect. That was the saving grace along with the amazing wine list. Great selections with some fairly priced options. Best to save this for a coroprate dinner.
(4)
Kevin L.
Pretty good. Try the steak.
(4)
Ron M.
Came here rather spontaneously last week when I was in the area. I came in as I always try to do, without any expectations. Right away I saw the service was a bit under average, so that right there loses a star. The server seemed very apathetic and indifferent and was not really helpful in selecting anything off the menu, not that we needed it. Their wine selection looked amazing. I'm anything from a wine connoisseur but even I can tell that they had some of the best wines in the world (and the prices reflected that). However, my friend and I are both beer drinkers and many steakhouses (like Keens) have a very good beer selection to cater to guys like us. Sparks is not one of those steakhouses and only had about a handful of bottled beers to choose from. The quality of the food redeemed the restaurant from its poor services and bad drink selection. I had the fillet mignon and it was (on a scale from 1 to 5) a four. Tender, chewy, a bit over-seared but generally good. The sides that we got, potatoes and spinach, were too oily and over-salted, but still okay. Overall, this place gets a three mostly because I would not recommend it to anyone I know. If they're in the area, hungry and want a steakhouse, I'd say "Sure, you can try Sparks but its only average." There are plenty of other steakhouses in the city that have better meat and better service in the same price range.
(3)
Bruce F.
Clubby and masculine are not bad things when describing an Italian steakhouse. I have never experienced anything less than attentive service and great Italian specialties in this haven for wise guys and businessmen. I enjoy taking clients here (who themselves are New Yorkers) and they're never disappointed. It's a caricature of itself.
(4)
Ben H.
I have been wanting to come to this place for a long time now because mob boss Paul Castellanos was gunned down here by Gotti's henchmen back in 1985. I had the sirlon steak which is their house favorite. The steak was so juicy and tender also seasoned perfectly. The sides such as the mushroom caps, potatoes, asparagus were all delicious and the oysters are the best i've had. i am defiantely coming back again
(5)
Cat T.
Where do I start? First of all the giant menu... is just... obnoxious... really guys??... I was there with 4 other people and we were trying to figure out what to do with the 2 foot by 3 foot menus while we were waiting for the server to come take our order... minus 1 star... Second... our server takes our orders and runs off... oh wait... he forgot someone... so we have to call him back to finish taking the order... minus 1 star... Third... I took a bite of my creamed spinach and instantly got a giant crunch of sandy goodness... oh yes... I thought maybe it was just that one bite... but with every bit and every chew... yet more grains of sand... I felt like I was eating oysters except they weren't shucked... and I was just chomping away on the shell... so we ask for our server to take back the creamed spinach... which they did... I never send back food... even if it is crappy... because crappy is a matter of taste... but I am not a parrot... I don't eat sand... minus 1 star... Fourth... One girl in our party got a caesar salad and it was drowning in dressing... so we ask someone to get the server so we could ask for a less soupy salad... Fourth... and we were told... "oh, he left" ... oh?? he just left? ... didn't inform us of a shift change... or that maybe he thought he already f*cked up twice and he could see his tip dwindling before his eyes?... minus 1 star... Fifth... got the filet mignon... I make it better at home... Sixth... we asked for out server... and what? he dropped dead as well... gee was there some epidemic flu going around? Seventh... we got the bill... and ooh... we got charged for the spinach... surprise!! I have never gotten such lousy service at any restaurant that costs this much... actually I get better service at podunk diners... So this place is famous for the mob hit on Paul Castellano... it might have been really cool if I saw his ghost pick up a steak and throw it at someone's head... no ghosts... no stars...
(1)
LJ S.
Fantastic! The meal was exceptional and the service was impeccable.
(5)
Jennifer L.
I can't believe the sommelier would be off on a Friday night. I also started typing this on my phone while drunk so that had a ton of typos. So as you can see, sommelier or no sommelier, I still managed to get drunk here. Service was fantastically old world Italian/New York steakhouse. The food was steakhousey. There was a lot of wine. The steak with peppers was delicious but I couldn't eat it all. No gangsters though; at least none that I recognized. (I don't know what any gangsters look like, so there may have been gangsters) An institution!!
(4)
Jessica G.
Does it make me white trash to give a mediocre review of a restaurant that I visited as the result of it being the site of a conference? I also prefer red wine to be chilled so perhaps asking this question isn't necessary. What's with the rugs everywhere in steakhouses? Just b/c this was popular in the Castellano/Gambino days doesn't mean it's not time to evolve and slap down some wood floors. The food was pretty good, not great (the salads were soupy, the mozzarella was very watery, and the olive oil/vinegar seemed of low quality). If I were paying, I'd have been pissed, but I wasn't ... I'm Jewish so I packed up my meal and had it for lunch the next day instead. You gotta' problem with that Anti-Semites?
(2)
Trevor D.
"Take her out to the Sparks Steakhouse, gentleman style"- Nas. That verse alone had me wanting to go to Sparks. Appetizers: There is mostly seafood on the menu. I decided to go with the shrimp cocktail. Not impressed at all as it tasted like the shrimp you could buy at Key Food. Steak: My favorite steak is a rib-eye and to my disappointment there was no rib-eye on the menu. Fine, no rib-eye lets get a NY Strip instead. Once again they didn't have another steak I wanted. The waiter stated that the most popular steak on the menu was the sirloin. From what I've been told sirloin is one of the less favorable steaks in terms of quality. Regardless I ordered the prime sirloin. It was a thick cut and it was better than the other sirloins that Ive had in the past at outback steakhouse and chain restaurants like that. When it was brought out it looked very delicious but the taste of a sirloin is far from being as good as other cuts. There is no justification to a sirloin in the $40 dollar price range. The meat is not worth that price. There is a big lobster selection but at a steakhouse I think its best to order a steak but there has been times where I have ordered steak at a seafood restaurant. Sides: I ordered the hash browns. With steak I rather have mash or mac and cheese however, neither were on the menu. The hash browns were good but to my liking it doesn't go to well with a steak. With eggs I would have liked it much more. Desserts: I didn't even bother. Sparks is good but when you take into the consideration the cost, its more of a decent restaurant. If Peter Luger's is the Rangers, Sparks is the Islanders. Everyone wants to go to the Garden and not Nassau Coliseum. Between the two places I think Luger's is much better. The only plus to Sparks as compared to Luger's is that the tables are more spaced out and its in the city and not Brooklyn, the home of Biggie and Jay.
(2)
Holly S.
We celebrated my husband's birthday at Sparks and were beyond delighted. They have an old fashioned bar with authentic bartenders who turn out perfect drinks. We began our meal with selections from the raw bar. The clams and oysters were the largest and freshest we've had. I ordered the 3 lb lobster and my husband ordered filet mignon, with a side of creamed spinach. To my delight, the waiters prepared the lobster for me by taking off the shells before serving. All I had to do was savour. The peacan pie was the perfect end to the meal. We loved it so much that we came back the following weekend. I can't understand reviews complaining service is snooty, and can only guess those reviewers are not from New York. All waitstaff were attentive, very professional, and reasonably fast, without making us feel rushed. They don't waste time with small talk, but a folksy repoire wouldn't fit the upscale atmosphere. Be prepared to spend $200+ for dinner for two. It's worth every penny.
(5)
Lincoln H.
Beef was excellent, perfectly cooked. Potatoes - so-so, but we go to a steak house for steak. Server was efficient, knowing and take charge.
(4)
Tracy T.
I've had a very bad streak of new restaurants lately. Sparks continues my bad streak. I was very excited to come here as I've read and heard very good things about this restaurant. I had good vibes when I walked in. I've heard that this place could be stuffy with older patrons, but they seemed to put the older patrons in the back and the younger ones in the front. I suppose that was good for both groups. I came with a rather large group of 10 people as we randomly had a craving for steak. The only good thing about this meal was the buffalo mozzarella-tomato appetizer. Actually, the only good part was the mozzarella. The tomato was mediocre at best. Then everything went downhill from there on. These chefs must be heavy smokers or somehow have killed their tastebuds because EVERY SINGLE dish was oversalted. I actually could not eat my steak because it was grossly oversalted. The meat itself was mediocre. I had the sirloin and it was rather tough. It was cooked to my liking (medium-rare), but that was the only thing going for it. Overall a poor experience. The sides were okay. I can actually make a better creamed spinach at home than the one they served. The mushrooms were also okay - not amazing, as were the potatoes. Actually, my friend make a good point that the bread even was mediocre (you can tell a lot about a restaurant based on the bread they serve). The blue cheese was grossly overpowering in the steak roquefort. The filet mignon was "meh." Overall, everyone left the restaurant underwhelmed. The prices were about the same as any other steakhouse in the city. I want my money back.
(2)
Jeremy W.
When my food came out I thought people were going to jump out from the other tables and say "GOTCHA, you've bee punked" unfortunately that didn't happen. I seriously do not know where to begin as I have never been so befuddled. How does this restaurant compete with all the other top steakhouses in NYC? How do people not send their food back in waves? How do they stay in business? are all very fair questions to ask. I cannot capture the essence of how lackluster this place is but I will try : Appetizers: The clams were like buffet style minituare claims, at first I chalked this up to "perhaps this isn't wha they are known for" Oyster: also miniature with a terrible taste as well Steaks: my table got a spread of steaks ranging from sirloin, filet, veal, etc. All of our steaks were overcooked and thus very dry. Additionally the steaks were grisly with very little taste. Last, the steak was soo chewy I was like surprised...isn't this supposed to be a high end steakhouse? Side: Cream Spinach...how can you mess this up, it had no flavor at all!!!!! Asparagus: high end restuarants you get HUGE asparagus spears, this was mini asparagus the kind you can get at key food!! All in all, I would never go back here.
(1)
Nasim N.
This is my favorite steak house EVER! I visit Sparks almost every time I'm in NYC and it gets better every time. The steaks are on point, the wine list is fantastic (and HUGE) and the waiters and staff are awesome! The historical mob aspect doesn't hurt, either! You feel really cool walking up to the restaurant and dining inside. If you're a steak lover and enjoy a wonderful, true-steak house atmosphere, definitely dine at Sparks! I'm actually going there this weekend, can't wait!
(5)
Michael L.
I must say that some aspects of this institution (institution really is what it is) are above average, while some are below. We ordered vodka sodas to start the night. It seems as if the machine that spits out the soda was poluted with tonic. That or they just messed up our order and got us vodka tonics instead. The appetizers: The cocktail shrimp was good. The proscuito with melon was uninspiring. The bread was completely unremarkable, even forgettable. The mains: We all got the sirloin, the signiture dish at this place. It was big. Probably 12 - 14 oz. Was quite tasty. Mine was perfect, done medium, a tiny bit of marbling. I think I got the best sirloin cut out of my group. Others' seemed to be too marbled for my liking, or cooked inconsistently. The wine list is exhaustive, as others have mentioned. The establishment itself is as old school "new york" as it gets. I did also find the tables to be very flimsy and unstable. They are these round 3piece tables and the edges were clearly tilting downwards when pressure was applied. Certainly did not inspire the most confidence. Overall an interesting experience. Certainly not my favorite steakhouse in the city, but certainly more enlightened after having tried it once.
(3)
Synie W.
was contemplating quite hard about whether or not i should write a review about this place and let word of this "yumm-a-licious" place out to the yelp world... came to Sparks due to other yelpers' reviews and thank you yelpers... you did not disappoint this time!! main: the steak (sirloin... med/rare) was phenomenal!!! i HATEEE unseasoned steak (i dont plan on adding A1 sauce to my $50 steak... good thing this wasnt the case here) the steak was seasoned (salt) and the outside was nicely cooked to a crusty salty shell. it was goooood. app: half shelled clams (1/2 doz. $16.95)... very fresh but i was shocked by the size of these things... tiny... (on one hand... put your thumb and index finger together... TADAAA that was the size of 5 of them... now put your thumb and middle finger together... that was the last one) hahah im not joking! dessert: strawberry romanoff. light... creamy... sweet... you can taste a hint of the alcohol. it was good... but a tad bit pricey, 14.95?!?! service: waiter was nice... but a bit hard to find. he wasnt as attentative as i thought he should be. through the entire dinner, i think i saw him 5 times total (greeting... water... taking orders... giving dessert menu... check) LOL where was my... "oh how are the clams? refill on water? how is your steak? did you like it?" bottom line. OF COURSE i am going to come back!! lol gota wait for the next paycheck to come though.
(4)
Alex M.
Went to Sparks on Friday before a show. The place seems to be very old school. Walls were covered with paintings, and waiters were wearing tuxedos. The service was prompt and knowledgeable. But the food was just OK and nothing spectacular. They managed to undercook my steak the first time around and slightly overcook it the second time. For a 50$ steak I was expecting them to know how to make it "Medium". My GF got the Halibut, which was delicious, but this is a Steak House. Will stick to Peter Luger next time.
(2)
Frank L.
Prime sirloin was underwhelming. Mushroom caps were good, as was the hash browns. Service is slow. Very slow. Steak was ho-hum. If it weren't for the groupon offer, I'd spend the money at Keens or Lugers.
(3)
Dan C.
You may have heard of a criminal organization known as the mafia? I thought so. In New York the best known Don in recent years wasn't Tony Soprano, because he was actually a fictional character, but rather the superstar mafia Don was John Gotti, known in the press as The Dapper Don, because of his elegant custom tailored clothing. John Gotti loved publicity. He loved the paparazzi. He threw huge fireworks displays. The man was popular. Federal prosecutors worked like hell to lock him away. Jury after jury found him not guilty. Ultimately, the feds turned one of his capos, Sammy "The Bull" Gravano, and Gotti went to jail. He died there. Before the requisite bada boom, it's important to know how John Gotti became a Don. He was a capo. He was antsy. He wanted to be a boss. So one evening, he and a few of his boys took positions on the street outside Sparks steak house. They carried walkie talkies and pistols. On this particular evening, their Don, Paul Castellano, planned to dine at Sparks. As Castellano's limo pulled up to the canopy over the entrance, Gotti and his boys closed in on the car and blew the living crap out of Castellano and his driver. Gotti took out the old man and took over. This is Sparks, OK? Now you know where you're eating. On Friday nights, Italian mobsters bring their gumadas here. So now, what are you doing here? First of all, the best thing on the menu, the dynamite dish, is the lobster for two. I recommend just having a salad for two with it. That's all you need. If you want meat, go with the filet mignon. This is the best steak house in Manhattan. Period. The beef is caked in salt and perfectly grilled. The wines are superb. If you want hip, go someplace else.
(5)
Kandace G.
Sparks Steak House was the meal that enlightened me as to why people love steak. I never understood it before. Hockey puck filet, tasteless, sometimes tough, sometimes sinewy. Sparks, however, will always hold a place in my heart as the turning point. I became a steak fiend. Rare, please, with a little side of bearnaise. I visited Sparks in 2006, and every minute of the experience was wonderful. The server was gracious and explained the menu with flair. He gently made suggestions and was top notch in his attendance to our table. The filet was seared crisp on the outside and tender-red on the inside. For dessert, a simple burnt creme with raspberries. I will forever compare every steak I enjoy to that one experience at Sparks. To date, Ruths' Chris best attempts don't even compare.
(5)
Stephanie L.
Excellent Food (and HUGE lobsters-the table next to us got one!) Super Expensive (but I guess all NY steak houses are!) Ambiance was a little stuffy-I didn't feel like I could sit back and relax and enjoy my red wine and steak. My major disappointment was that they did not have a traditional steak house menu. You couldn't choose different cuts of steaks, there were basically only 3 types of steaks to ordered, and one was sliced steak!? Overall, for the money I would prefer a more laid back environment with a larger selection of steak.
(3)
Michael Q.
I was really excited to go here, I've seen this place numerous times on screen and I always wanted to dine at Sparks. I must have picked the wrong day to go but I wanted to go on a special day. I chose valentines day 2013. Maybe the most busiest day of the year . I had made reservations and I was really excited to finally go, but the negative aspects began as soon as I got there. I was asked do you guys want to sit right here or more over there? I was basically brought to my table when I was asked, so I opted for "right here is fine" big mistake, that was the noisiest table, the register was right behind it, customers being seated were constantly in front of my table, and I couldn't help but notice how beautifully the restaurant was decorated but that I couldn't enjoy because this table is kind of in a cubicle in the front so you can't really enjoy the restaurant, it's kind of like eating in a closet. That table shouldn't be offered it shouldn't be there. I ordered 2 lobsters and they both were really slimy. I've had better lobster at other places. The prices were a bit high for the gross slimy lobsters. And then my waiter wouldn't shut up about the castellano murder, he even used mafia slang like "he got wacked" which was really cheesy. I was secretly disappointed I didn't want to alarm my date.
(1)
Al J.
Sparks nail it - "it" being the undefined, "je ne sais crois" quality that permeates the best, classic steakhouse in the world. Apart from the meat, no one part of the meal is particularly special standing alone; in sum, however, they lead to an almost revelationary dining experience. We can start with the best part of the meal: the steak. I went with the Filet, and loved it. Perfectly marbelled, cooked, and seasoned: from first to last bite, the meat exhibited the ideal balance of salt, char, and fat. The Hash Browns were a tremendous side - rich, soft, but also crisp - I demolished the German Potatoes at Luger's, and these were even better. The other sides and the Appetizers were decent: Baked Clams, Scallops, Lump Crab, Creamed Spinach, Mozzarella Salad were all par for the course. Next time, I'll likely start with a Lump Crab or Shrimp Cocktail to start - or just go for another Campari Soda in anticipation of the large entree to come. For those so inclined (and needing more than potatoes to round out their Steak), the Mushroom Caps looked great. Service was great. Waitstaff, while appropriately brusque for a Streakhouse with this type of history and vibe, were outgoing, attentive, and helpful. Our waiter had an excellent working knowledge of the wine list; and made insightful recommendations on appetizers, sides, and portions. Oh, if you're craving dessert - I'd steer away from the Sparks Sampler. For $15pp, you'll get less quantity than you would if ordering the consistuent parts. Plus, all you really need is the Key Lime Pie, right?
(4)
David A.
its one of the old money steak houses. the waits can be long and place is nothing to look at. they place is covered in cheapo repoduction paintings in gaudy frames but the food is good. The apps were ok, i would recommend the tartar because its a good portion but nothing special and the steak is great meat cooked just ok. The tables are oddly low and the chairs are cheap and ugly.. I want to be comfortable while i eat a steak, if they are going for an all boys club atmosphere they missed by a mile i wouldnt recommend this steakhouse but its not so bad i would avoid it at all cost..
(2)
Andrew W.
Sparks falls into the category of NY restaurants that are veritable institutions where the only thing that changes are the prices. In cases like Peter Luger, Grimaldi's, Di Fara's and Katz's Deli, this is a good thing, for Sparks, which felt like all of those places you'd see in the Playbills of Broadway shows 25 years ago, maybe the advancement of the restaurant industry has been a good thing. For steak lovers, don't expect to see the usual options that are standard at any chain steakhouse, Porterhouse, NY Strip or Ribeye. They push their signature Filet Mignons and Sirloins here. Seriously, what guy do you know is into Filet? Overall, the food isn't terrible, but an average housewife can make the sides. My steak, the sirloin medium-rare was a good cut of meat, but seemed undersized (I'd estimate no larger than 12 oz.) and very unevenly seasononed. Some parts were almost inedibly salty, whereas others were about right. The wine list is what you would expect at a steak house. There are a number of good options under $75. Service is acceptable, but their attitude will definitely change by how much is being spent. Credit cards are accepted as well, but splitting the check will require advanced mathematics that is a high challenge for the staff. In the end, my experience here was fine, but I left thinking that I probably could have had the same or better at a mid-priced chain steakhouse like Texas Roadhouse or Outback for about half the cost.
(2)
Alisha G.
Everyone is spot on saying you feel like you just walked into an old hollywood mob movie. I came here for a work dinner and all the (male) partners wanted to check the spot out for their notoriously large steaks and it's infamous mafia shooting back in the day. As a young female I was defintely somewhat out of place in this "boys club" feeling steak house. For me, I found it to be a fun experience. They have an extensive Italian wine list and a one page menu with all the classic apps and entrees that you would expect at an upscale steak and seafood spot. And it is no lie that these are by far the absolute largest steaks I have ever seen or attempted to devour. I ordered the filet and it was absolutely delicious and perfectly seasoned...and I could not finish it. Go for the unique atmosphere...or for the huge steaks, whatever motivates you more. Salute!
(4)
Sophia H.
Get ready to feel like you're in the midst of a mafia movie. I came here last month in search of some good steak. I had read the reviews about this place on Yelp and people were right on the dot about the Mafia feeling you get when you're eating at Sparks. From the security/bouncers outside the restaurants to the waiters inside, I felt like I was reliving a scene out of an infamous Mafia movie. I am usually a filet mignon kinda girl, but this time I went with the 16 oz house prime rib. I was told by the waiter that this was the best item on the menu, and I wasn't ready to go against the mafia waiter's request. We ordered some sides and red wine with our dishes. Their wine list is pretty extensive. The steak turned out to be really good and for a small Asian girl, I was able to finish the entire 16 oz, which has to be a record for me. If that isn't an indication of whether or not the steak was good, I'm not sure what is.
(4)
L E.
I went to Sparks with high expectations based on everything I had heard. I ordered shrimp/crab cocktails, Greens/Tomato Salad, Filet Mignon, Chocolate Truffle. The appetizer was excellent, salad ... just ok. The Filet I would describe as 16 oz and good, but I've had better in terms of the taste. It was also not cooked to requested doneness first time around. The dessert was the best part of the meal ... was fantastic! One thing which I was surprised at - I asked for a list of wines available by the glass and not only did it not exist, the waiter didn't know them. I thought this odd for such a fine restaurant. In their defense, he did bring a couple to the table for me to taste. I'd go back ... it was certainly good enough. But I believe Morton's and possibly DelFrisco's are better.
(4)
Leslie C.
While I was in New York, I met up with my friends for dinner and one of them treated us all. Service was pretty good. Our servers were very attentive and nice. We had a raw oyster appetizer that was really delicious. I ordered the beef medallions which was also pretty good. Portions are big.
(4)
David I.
The steaks here are fantastic. What else can you say? The sides are tasty as well, creamed spinach is my favorite. The last time I was here I proposed to my wife. It's still her favorite restaurant. This place and the Old Homestead are the best places for steak in town. The filet mignon is fantastic, rare of course. Enjoy the history and ambiance of this classic restaurant. If you aren't a regular or a New Yorker, be prepared for aloof waiters who just don't give a damn if you want them to be "nice."
(5)
Jay P.
One of the best steak houses in New York City, maybe one of the best in the country. I've been going to Sparks since 2001 and it has never disappointed. On this most recent trip, my wife and I were celebrating our 30th anniversary in Manhattan (of course) and chose Sparks for our anniversary dinner. The steaks were perfect, medium rare. The salads and sides were equally impressive. Spark's has an extensive wine list. The service is top notch. The restaurant is located on East 46th between 2d and 3rd. If you're not familiar with the area, this is a quiet, leafy neighborhood just east of midtown.
(5)
Rae F.
Prime Sirloin Steak - cooked medium rare as I requested - A-OK! Asparagus Side - Steamed + fresh - A-OK! Service - prompt, dry, old fashioned - A-OK! Decor - Nice, roomy, able to converse - A-OK! Deserts - !@#%R@$!$!#!@!! - Tartufo over berries and 2 choices of cakes...thats an art. A fooking masterpiece i say.
(3)
Rich G.
Great service, nice atmosphere and a good steak by New York standards. I feel like some of Sparks' appeal comes from its place mafia history. You wont be unhappy you came here, but in the meat mecca of NYC that is Midtown East, you probably can find a better steak at Ben & Jacks or Wolfgangs.
(3)
Liana L.
I ate here last week for my boyfriend's sister's birthday. I ordered the shrimp scampi and baked clams appetizer which I split with my boyfriend, though I wish I hadn't because it was SO DELICIOUS I could have eaten the whole thing. The shrimp were prepared very simply with butter, wine and garlic, as were the clams, with perfectly seasoned breadcrumbs. I could live on this stuff because it reminds me of my grandma's home cooking; simple, comforting, and best of all, YUMMY. For an entree I thought, what better to order in a steak house than, well, a steak? So of course I ordered the strip steak, medium rare, since I think a filet mignon is a wimpy girl's choice of meat (unless, of course, it's attached to a juicy, flavorful, manly porterhouse which they DID NOT HAVE here!....?!) It came out cooked perfectly, well seasoned, though a bit charred on the outside for my personal taste. Still delicious, though. On the side we enjoyed creamed spinach and the most HEAVENLY hash browns I've ever eaten. Just potato. No frills. Just delicious, buttery, crispy potato. The creamed spinach was "eh". I have a very strong feeling they used frozen spinach for this. We ordered the dessert sampler that was full of sweet treats including cheesecake, walnut pecan pie, tartufo, and fresh, ripe berries. We ripped it apart like a pack of wild wolves. On a less favorable note: this place seems stuck in time... in a bad way. It smells bad and musty in here, it's super dark, and they need new chair covers and carpeting. It's OK to have that "classic, old steakhouse" appeal but to look worn and tattered is NOT good or charming.
(3)
Jake B.
Best steak in town. Old school feel. Great service. Excellent.
(5)
Bradley G.
You walk up to the entrance. Someone in your group points at the sidewalk just in front of the door and says "That's where the Dude got shot", you sigh because it's literally the only thing you've been hearing about in relation to this spot and you pray that it ends there (it did thankfully). You walk in and instantly it's 1983 and you love it. I'm sorry but people maligning about the decor of a LANDMARK NYC steakhouse need to chill out. You don't fix what isn't broke! Sure it's dated but has it occurred to you that they may be trying to retain a classic steak house look? And now that every celebrity Chef and their Mother are opening "steak houses" that look more like Swedish massage parlors and making $$ hand over fist, I think it says a lot about a place that still refuses to change. I mean, in my opinion this is what every steak house should look like. Anyway, you order a NY strip medium rare and you get a NY strip medium rare sitting on a plate in a pool of it's juices or EXACTLY WHAT YOU SHOULD GET IN A STEAK HOUSE. If you want weird gelatinous green blobs and (it's hard for me to say this) marinades, then go to TGI fridays or even better, if you want the aforementioned and still pay the same amount then go to Bobby Flay Steak (it's also so modern and design-y looking). Maybe I'm old fashioned but a steak should only have salt and maybe pepper on it and thats it. The sides are great but they aren't the main attraction (and I assume this is intentional). All in all, this place is a great steakhouse that became a goliath because an infamous crook merged with the infinite right outside it's door in the 80's and ever since it's been trying to meet the expectations of people who for one reason or another enter it's doors thinking it's more than a steak house which it is most certainly not. Keep this in mind and you'll leave happier.
(3)
Stephanie M.
Amazing experience! The price was not an issue when it came to this meal. Filet mignon was cooked crisp on the the top and rare inside.. cooked to perfection. I read about the "home fries" and my boyfriend and i cleaned the plate.. they were the best home fries ive ever had. We ordered a dozen oysters and lobster tails for app.. which we were hesitant about being that we knew we werent going to be disasppointed with the steak.. but im happy we did. Best apps ive had hands down. The wine list was extensive.. but if you have a great waiter like ours.. tell them what you are looking for and they will suggest the best wine you could ask for.. i cant wait to eat here again
(5)
H N.
Huge portions of food in a historic unforgettable gangster atmosphere. A must see in new york
(5)
Brett G.
Apparently, they can spot a newbie because they are the ones to ask for a menu. The reality is that there's only one thing on the menu that should be ordered and that is the Prime Sirloin. Well sized, perfectly cooked and absolutely delicious. There's no need to order anything else because that would just be foolish.... okay, sure, order the sides because you need your veggies, but that's it! There was a famous mob hit out the front the restaurant. One can only hope that he had already eaten, because this is a fine choice for a last meal. The best steak I've ever eaten. Highly recommended.
(5)
Ricky C.
Honestly, this place is a solid 3.5 stars. I am a ribeye junkie so was a bit disappointed that only strip and filet were the only 2 options on the menu. But, I knew that going in because this classy establishment has been on my list for a while. I started w. the scottish smoked salmon. The salmon had a great smoked flavor and super fresh but the condiments that accompanied it was nothing to rave about. Simple red onions, some sort of pickled pepper and pumpernickel bread. I was a bit disappoiinted as I'm used to some sort of aioli as a spread. Now, to the supposed star of the show,, the steak. I ordered the prime strip and it was cooked and seasoned to our exact desire....close to burnt on the outside and close to rare on the inside. First bite was very interesting as the hot exterior and cool interior created quite a sensation. However, after a few more bites, I soon realized that the true marbled flavored that I'm used to w. a ribeye was not there. Overall, good experience and worth A vist.
(4)
Michael N.
The food is solid here but more impressive is the service. There are just not many restaurants around that treat you this way anymore. Another thing is that you can take hours (which you may need) to eat all of the courses. The waiters are old school and will even debate with you as to your choices if they have a recommendation they feel might make the meal more enjoyable for you. Spill anything and they'll change the table cloth when you're done with the main course. There may be better steak houses in Manhattan but there aren't many who offer the same blue blood type of treatment as Sparks does. This is a great place for a business dinner or lunch (provided that no one is in a rush to get back to the office). They won't even bust your chops if you're not wearing a jacket or a suit but frankly the place deserves it so dress decent.
(4)
David H.
Ate at Sparks with my wife last Thursday night. Food was great, service was even better. Probably the best service I've had at a dinner in NY in the five years that I've lived here. Our waiter, Rachid, was terrific. He was highly attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. He brought us refills on wine/beer without having to ask and brought us some extra sides as well. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a good NY steak house.
(5)
Deborah H.
This is a very nice place to have a steak, my strip steak was lovely, sides were classic steak house type and nice Rhone to go with the meal. We liked the service-close but not hovering and very 'madam' which my mother would of loved. We were not rushed and loved the stories about what happened at this place-very old Manhattan. The pricing was no different from the other steak houses in NYC so get over it-food like this is pricey-so go where you know you will get a good meal.
(3)
Layla M.
June 1, 2012. My first time in NYC and I'm meeting my sister who lives in Paris and two friends who live in London. We make reservations at Sparks steakhouse - because we couldn't get into Keens. No worries, we're looking forward to a big Manhattan steakhouse dinner and night out. We arrive there (four women) and are immediately ushered into bar to wait for our table. Shortly, we're seated in a charming, too bright room that's buzzing with patrons seemingly enjoying the evening. First waiter asks us if we want the menus. We wonder if he's joking. Second waiter, takes order, is minimally friendly with an Italian accent. Wine menu is a bit much, who has time to go through the entire thing? We look around and note mildly the absense of any non-caucasian diners, this being NY on a Friday night. Food arrives. Served by the most hostile aryan-brotherish waiter I have ever laid my eyes on outside a Tarantino movie. He wordlessly, with bristling hostility, dumps our food infront on us. We look at him as if he's insane and ask him what exactly he's trying to accomplish by his hostile demeanor. He dismisses us by saying he knew who was having what. Second waiter comes by and we communicate our unhappiness as such blatant hostility and rudeness. He dismisses us with 'I hope you enjoy your meal ladies'. The food is alright, not great for the prices and hype, and we're not that hungry at this point. We go seek manager, an Egyptian character who fancies himself quite the charmer. He expresses alarm at our experience in different dramatic little ways and orders us to have desert or 'anything, ladies, anything!'. We inform him we need to pay this ridiculous bill and leave now, and could he fire those bastards who think we came here for a free dinner. He disappears and we pay and leave. As we're leaving, he returns begging us to come in so that he can sort this out. My company goes back in and I remain outside enjoying the lovely Manhattan air. At which point he comes to the door and orders loudly for me to PLEASE COME IN, PLEASE! I chuckle and go in to see what the fuss now is. The story ends with us being sitted on the bar side, plied with champagne, cognac, dessert and saccharine charm from this manager. At one point he is hitting on one of my friends and attempting to kiss our hands, urgh. After a time, when we're certain that he thinks that he's been successful at his attempt at 'service recovery', and we're sufficiently buzzed, we vacated the premises, scathing reviews fermenting. I'm happy to report all other restaurants we went to that weekend had excellent service.
(1)
Kelin C.
When for vacation with my husband from Cali.... Man i wanted to die after i ate the steak i got high :) thats how gooood it was. Planning our next trip just for that one steak.
(5)
Adam B.
Good steak and much better than my experience at Bobby Van's. Still wasn't overly impressed but I am a tough critic when it comes to steaks and am usually disappointed.
(4)
Justin S.
Something about Sparks just screams old school steak house. The decor is fantastic. The steaks are high quality. This place draws a very big business crowd, in fact I have only been here for business. So you will see lots of suits and steaks. There is a nice downstairs room for a party here as well.
(5)
Lorelei D.
Sat at the bar for drinks. Bartenders were very friendly and accommodating. Great wine selection and good hash browns. Will go back for dinner.
(3)
Dana K.
I crave that first salty crunchy then tender juicy bite of New York sirloin steak at Sparks. The steak comes out with a slightly charred outside, but then rare on the inside. Each bite is flavorful and juicy. I can't get enough... From the moment you enter, the black tie guys whisk you to your seat. Walter is my guy and always has a table for us. Sparks used to be always packed with business guys, sprinkled with a few tourists. These days I notice the crowd a little thinner, but still a hit with large groups of men dining on the company account. I like to start with something "healthy." As if it makes a difference, as I will be soon devouring a huge piece of marbled steak cooked in butter and salt. Something "healthy" like the asparagus salad - cold asparagus, blanched and then served in spears over a little romaine lettuce and vinagrette. I've also had the shrimp cocktail, and caprese salad before. I kind of like the simplicity of the asparagus. Their cocktail sauce needs doctoring, which you can do with the horseradish, tabasco and lemon they provide you with. I find they lean towards rare in their cooking - so I ask for medium, and it comes out cooked on the ends, but red on the inside. We usually get the creamed spinach, which I would say is average, and the hash brown potatoes. The potatoes are also probably cooked for ages in butter until soft, browned and crispy, but I can't get enough of them. Sigh. Lastly, they serve great ice cream. I forget the brand - but it's from Philadelphia and is really rich, creamy ice cream. They sometimes offer to make a fresh fruit platter with ice cream and schlag. It's SO good. When I feel like my arteries have unclogged a little from my last meal at Sparks, I'll be back.
(5)
Chandler V.
if you like good steaks and good service when in NY then this is the place for you
(5)
Mario D.
Perhaps the best steak I've had in my life, tender and well seasoned. I asked for it medium and there was a beautiful pink center - unlike other places where I asked for medium and it comes out well done. Service was excellent and professional; our server knew the menu and was able to provide suggestions and guidance. We had cheesecake and cappuccino for dessert and it was excellent. Definitely will return.
(5)
John P.
Spark's is okay, but not as good as Peter Lugers. I recommend ordering the prime sirloin steak with a side of creamed spinach and hashed browns. It actually is a good idea to share the steak with someone because it's too big for one person. I ended up taking half the steak home. The service is good, and the dining room is large and nicely decorated. Prices are high.
(3)
Ben D.
Longtime classic steakhouse that still gets it right. The prime sirloin, if not the best strip in NY is definitely towards the top of the list. Lobster is done the way it's supposed to be, steamed and succulent. Decor is a bit dated but when eating well executed staples might as well do it in a classic setting.
(4)
Jackson L.
I was here for a business meeting a few weeks ago. Not a bad place per se but bad because nothing set it apart from say Ruth's Chris. I'd come back but only if I had to. Prices are what you'd expect. Service is good. But something doesn't feel quite right. My steak wasn't cooked right... It was prepared a second time for me and better but the server gave me an attitude.
Sparks is great. Bustling and busy without the craze at some of its competitors. Waiters are "New York," without being either self conscious caricatures or jerks. (At least mostly.) Tables are spaced far enough apart that you can converse and don't have to hear about a stranger's hernia surgery. The wine list is not only huge but fairly priced. And, last but not least, the steaks are great. The sirloin is the way to go! New York has a lot of good steakhouses. Don't overlook this one.
(5)
Alex L.
Have always wanted to eat at Sparks and last night it finally happened. It was everything I hoped it would be - a large, spacious, handsome room with large tables for all. Our filet mignons were phenomenal and so big you really don't need anything else besides a salad (make sure you add roquefort). The lump crab & scallops appetizer was equally great and you can't go wrong with the Mixed Berries Romanoff for dessert. Sparks is a part of NYC history and is Old New York at its finest. It's not cheap but it's worth every penny.
(4)
William K.
My wife and two sons went to Sparks on Thursday April 9th on the advice of our driver Gary. We always go there when we vacation in the city but were hesitant after reading bad press about union problems. GLAD WE WENT! The food was, as always fabulous; the wait staff was better than ever! Go to Sparks steakhouse if you want great food, great service and great atmosphere. And forget about those guys outside!! William K
(5)
TT N.
Food was good! Service was great! I'm glad that I finally made here. But I gotta stay true to my roots (west-coast), and there's nothing coming between "CUT" and I. It's definitely an experience !
(4)
Mike M.
Great steaks! I really enjoyed everything. The porterhouse for two was extremely tender, juicy and full of flavor ordered it medium rare and it was spot on. The creamed spinach was was superb. I would diffidently return again.
(4)
A K.
Old style ny institution. Like you see in old Movies. Service is quick and friendly without being intrusive. Food was great. Limited choice but whatever they serve is good. The mushroom caps were out of the world.
(4)
Dave H.
I gave Sparks 4 stars. It's not 3 and it's not 5. It's an institution. On my way out, a big drunk dude gave me props on my attire and tan. Under other circumstances he might have beaten me up. Totally weird. Institutions have their crazies and you can read their reviews here. And they have their guards and their routines. That is this place. I went to Sparks first around 1999 before Wolfgang's, Capital Grille, Strip House, etc. It was a Wollensky Lugar Palm universe. In that class, it did great. Now it is an institution and it has its habits. They are steady and reliable. Don't come here for a transcendent meal or friendly service. Come here to enjoy the great meat, great seafood, some good drinks, people watching, etc. This last trip I had the Steak Fromage. If you are like me and love beef and Blue cheese, go for this. Oysters are excellent. The ones I had tonight biggest ever. I am sure I will go back, not this year, but sometime, And I will have a martini, some oysters, a steak and some red wine. And that crazy drunk guy will be right outside the restaurant smoking a butt just like he was tonight.
(4)
Ash D.
Great consistent food!! Waiters can be a little rushy but I think that's because most people know what they want when coming here. They always aim to please. I love what I've ordered each time.
(5)
Michael B.
Several years ago me and 8 other friends, had the best steak of my life. Returned with 8 others to relive the experience and unfortunately, we all had different cuts of steak and the quality was a disappointment.. Sorry
Great steak with prices to match. The decor is old school but it sorta, kinda works I suppose. Maybe an update is in order but who am I to judge. People have been coming here for a long time and maybe they like it just the way it is. I had the Caesar salad and the sirloin. The sirloin was juicy, tender and most importantly full of flavor. The salad was good but not great although they certainly gave me enough so no complaints there. Everyone who served us was attentive and couldn't be faulted. I enjoyed my time here.
(4)
EvolvingX Y.
My first visit i had the Steak and wine. OMG The best STEAK!!!! My mouth is still drooling, can't wait till my next visit to NYC!!
(5)
Kevin O.
Best customer service I have experienced. Not to mention that the food was great. I love when you go to a restaurant and they have the team approach when servicing the tables.
(4)
Stephanie S.
The service is flawless. The gentlemen that work here truly are polite and are as classy as can be. The reason for the low star level is because despite the fact that we meticulously chose the best items on the menu, my boyfriend and I (who have significantly different digestive systems) got immediately sick soon after leaving. It is puzzling to comprehend what in this beautiful place could have caused such a painful burden, but it did. The amount of money you spend is high and it complements the greatness of the taste, but developing stomach issues shortly after dining here completely cancels out the point of this outing.
(2)
Bradley M.
Steak is terrific, service, sides, and drinks less so. Atmosphere is also unmatched. Unfortunately, had trouble when ordering drinks. Ordered a 2008 bottle off the wine list, and they brought out the 2010 and told me they didn't have the 2008 in stock. Fine, but why do you list it as 2008, and why are you trying to offer the 2010 at the same price, and why didn't you tell me when I ordered instead of trying to pass it off as the same thing? We then went with cocktails instead, my whisky was fine, but my companion ordered a French 75 and they didn't know how to make it. Again, fine, this isn't a cocktail bar, but the French 75 is a classic. Anyway, instead of telling us they couldn't do the drink, they brought out a gin and tonic on the rocks, we sent it back and they just brought it out again - gin and lemon over rocks in a highball glass is not what we ordered but that's all they could manage. Twice, even when told. If you come, enjoy the truly great meat, avoid the Caesar salad, try the very nice prosciutto and melon, but make sure you are paying attention if you are ordering wine or drinks.
(3)
Kim H.
This place has gone down hill. For the price you would expect the best steak around. The only saving grace if you are a tourist is that it isn't crowded, has historical value (John Gotti whacked Paul Castellano outside the restaurant), and it is in midtown near all the hotels. Although it is way on the East Side!
(3)
Randolph W.
So, I survived my first visit to the famous Sparks Steakhouse. Famous for their steaks and their mob shootings (although they would say technically the shooting was outside of the restaurant near the street/curb). For those who don't know what I'm talking about - Google it "Mob boss assassination in 1985 at Sparks Steakhouse". Besides the occasional look over my shoulder to check my back for an approaching Joe Pesci, I was enjoying the massive filet mignon, various side items and the red wine (which was really good - I think it was a Krugers Cabernet). I will return!
(4)
Gil V.
Awesome food and and amazing service. The stake look amazing 17oz made to perfection. Old school stake house
(5)
George K.
I went here for lunch. We were seated quickly and everyone was very polite. I don't drink but i noticed the massive wine selection. My friend had the lamb chops which I tried and they were great. I had the steak with mushrooms. The steak could have been a bit bigger but was delicious and prepared very well. It was among the best I have had in nyc. It is worth going here and I will probably go again. The environment was a bit stuffy but that can be expected and the artwork on the walls was great. They also have seafood such as shrimp. I recommend going here at least once . Food came out quickly and we were even offered complimentary coffee. The price was as expected for a top steakhouse in nyc
(4)
H G.
An amazing experience from start to finish. We finished our weekend trip to NYC with our kids in perfect NYC fashion. We love the history of this restaurant as well as the decor, and we loved seeing big closing dinners and intimate dinners taking place all around us. The wait staff were total professionals, and they made our 4 kids feel very grown up as they brought our drinks, appetizers, entrees, and desserts. One child ate the rack of lamb, another ate a huge steak, and the two little ones split the grilled shrimp dish. The food was delicious and we finished everything. The desserts were out of this world, and we even let our kids take out their phones (which they don't do at dinner) to take pictures of them! In the end, the kids each got a special Sparks pin to bring home. How cool. A total classic.
(5)
Tina C.
Family dinner for party of four + plus one + good quality wine = GOOD TIMES! Our immediate party of three arrived on time via MTA subway rather than a revival scene of Gambino mafia boss Paul Castellano's entrance leading to his assassination. We all skipped appetizers and went straight to the entree because portions are HUGE. Salads are also huge portions but it is the meat that is the shining star for your reason to patronize Sparks. You must come hungry and must be carnivore's gluttony feast. Sadly, there was no room for dessert. Sparks Steakhouse also have gargantuan lobsters in three sizes: 3 to 3.5 lbs OR 4 to 4.5 lbs. OR 5 to 5.5 lbs. Three ladies ordered Medallions of Beef, served with Bordelaise sauce and fresh mushrooms. I am not a mushroom fan and there were entirely too much on my plate. The Bordelaise sauce was rather dry and very minimal. I did not taint the entree by adding condiments as I wanted to taste the Bordelaise sauce. Prime Sirloin Steak, a boneless shell steak from premium steers Sliced Steak with Sauteed onion and red peppers Libation: one glass of Cabernet Sauvignon Customer service is phenomenal and they exceeded our needs and expectations. A mandatory coat check is required. Facilities are clean with Brill automatic toilet seat covers. The menu is huge about 20 inches X 25 inches and written legible for elderly eyes to see without being strain. Atmospheric conditions are filled with antique furniture and the walls are lined with gilt-frame paintings of the Hudson River School. The section of quality wine and sparkling wine are gargantuan as nearby the coat check area wine bottles are on display for purchase or to accompany with your steak dinner. I now have Sparks Steakhouse business card in my collection. Reservations are highly recommended as I made mine via OpenTable.com but no Sparks do not participate in their dining points program. Semi-formal attire for this glitzy high-end steakhouse is highly recommended. No annoying TVs screens are blaring in the background and soft music is playing overhead so I our party of five's conversation was audible and transmitted clearly. This restaurant is street level for mobility accessible to all including the physical challenged. Note: Sparks Steakhouse is the site where mafia boss of the Gambino family, Paul Castellano was assassination by the notorious mob boss, John Gotti in 1985. After Castellano's death he was succeeded by John Gotti to become the mafia boss of the Gambino family, controversial without permission for appointment. The man exited his car en route to dinner but was assassinated... oh man, at least let the man enjoy his steak-- even Jesus was allowed to have his Last Supper before his death.
(5)
Gabriel G.
Ambiance: 5/5 The decor is classic NY steakhouse, upscale, ruggedly sophisticated, and very fitting given the place's storied past. The fully stocked bar should be able to accommodate any patron and they have an extensive wine list. The wait staff is very professional and service was swift and attentive without being intrusive. Selection: 3/5 No porterhouses here. You have the choice between filet or sirloin. What they lack for in selection they make up for with the quality of these choice cuts. Quality: 5/5 To start we had the crab meat and scallops appetizer. Its more scallop than crab but who's complaining? As an entree I had the filet which was thick cut and had a soft, almost buttery, texture. Cooked to a perfect medium rare and seared just right with a great crispy outer layer. The seasoning is on the plain side for the filet (my friend's sirloin which I sampled had a much bolder flavor) but the texture is really just so great. The creamed spinach was the perfect side to go with the meal. The spinach is VERY creamy, like almost-a-soup creamy. I loved it, but I can see people expecting something entirely different. Verdict: 5/5 Spark's is definitely deserving of its reputation for being among the best steakhouses in NY. I knock them for only offering two cuts, but they do it so well there is little else to find fault in. Whether or not Spark's is the best is debatable, but they are certainly a top tier steakhouse that any steak lover would be remiss to overlook.
(5)
Martin H.
I have eaten dinner here a couple of times while in New York City and I must say it's one of my favourite steakhouses and I have been to a lot of them! The waiters are friendly and funny. The prime sirloin is just lovely. Eat it medium rare! My favourite side dish is the sauted onions. Oysters and shrimp cocktails are really good as starters. The Romanoff is the perfect dessert. A loud and rowdy steakhouse that I really can recommend!
(5)
Karen H.
Visited Sparks about three years ago but I'm new to the yelp reviews. Atmosphere was cool, mostly men just from the office by the looks of their attire. I was one of the only women patrons there but everyone was super friendly. Waitstaff was really attentative and professional. Drinks were always full and our waiter was quick to get us anything we needed. Food was delicious, I ordered the sirloin and chocolate mousse cake for dessert. I will be back the next time I visit nyc.
(5)
Art H.
The greatest steak house on the planet. Better than Lugers and everywhere else. Get the Sirloin, the crabmeat bay scallops app and a good red Bordeaux. It will be the greatest meal of your life!!
After residing across from Sparks Steakhouse for nearly a year and a half my girlfriend and I would imagine what it would be like to actually dine at the restaurant. Low and behold I receive a gift card to visit Sparks for my birthday and while I could barely contain my excitement for finally having a chance to dine at this fine establishment the actual experience turned out to be less than ideal. The Experience: When my girlfriend purchased the gift card the bartender who processed the transaction did not produce an actual card, but rather a receipt. He assured her time and time again that the receipt would be valid as proof of purchase and they would accept it. I'm sure you can figure out what transpired, once the check arrived it was a 35 minute argument with a trio of waiters who were trying to determine the validity of the gift receipt since the genius bartender did not actually give her a physical card. This completely soured the entire experience for me and for her as well. I can tell you that the waiters were border line rude while they interrogated my girlfriend. The Food: While the wine list is impressive, the food was just okay. I've had better steaks elsewhere. When I asked the waiter what the recommendation was he mentioned the Prime Sirloin. It seemed dry, and although I did order it Medium it just didn't live up to the hype. The Solution: The next day I spoke to a manager on the phone who offered to make the situation right by crediting the meal charge and zero-ing out the "gift receipt". Honestly, this didn't really seem like it was enough to justify our very poor experience at this restaurant. I assume since this place had 3/4 of it's staff on strike for almost a year we were stuck with the B Team. The Recommendation Walk a couple of blocks north on 3rd Avenue to Smith and Wollensky's.
Still doing it right after all these years. The service is exceptional and attentive without being intrusive. The food is on the money. All of the meats are cooked spot on to order. The highlights of their meats are the Sirloin and the Lamb Chops. While everything is good, those are the two dishes that truly shine here. The wine list is extensive, and I was impressed by the organization. Not even a minute passed between us ordering our bottle and it being brought to our table. Aside from steaks, they have a wonderful selection of seafood dishes. You can feel safe bringing the meat-averse in your party here. Everything is a la carte. There are ample side dishes, with multiple versions of potatoes, vegetables and mushrooms. The prices are high, but not out of line for what you'd expect at a fine steakhouse in Manhattan. The sides and salads could be a little more reasonable, but there are no real surprises. The salad portions are HUGE, and they are more than happy to split them amongst 2-3 people. They even suggest as much. The ambiance is old-school. Arguably a little too old-school. Wall to wall framed paintings in multiple levels. Velvet Carpet... Sparks is still one of NYC's premiere steakhouses. However, it's definitely in need of some updates or a makeover. It simply feels a bit dated.
(4)
Nancy S.
My review is for a work dinner. We had a private room that housed about 40 people. Typically in large group settings, I expect mediocre service. And as expected, the service was poor. I had to ration my one glass of water paired with my overly dried steak and bland spinach. Luckily I snacked on some chocolate candy pieces I found in my purse to hold me over. After my meal, I made my way to coat check, in which they forced me to check in when I first entered. And then to find out they charge for coat check. Morton's Steak has far better service and food for a private party. And coat check was included. In summary, don't go here. They don't treat their customers right and clearly they don't care for their employees as exemplified by the picket fence of on-strike workers outside the restaurant. One star for the atmosphere.
(1)
Stacy B.
Only thing tasty here was the crab appetizer..the $55.00 filet mignon was overcooked.the $45.00. Chilean sea bass..dry just boring no taste.. just a piece of fish..$10.00 sides..didn't even eat..just salty potato hash.. you pay for the white table cloth I guess. Won't go back..waste of money..I don't care if it's famous for the mob criminal activity..ugh.. I would spend my money at Morton's steakhouse instead.
(1)
John R.
Big steaks. Well priced wine list. One of the best dinners you will ever have and you will keep coming back (like I do).
(5)
Gwen R.
Not worth the money. I ordered buffalo mozzarella as an appetizer and it was sour! Our steaks were medium rare instead of medium and the Bourgogne sauce tasted like it was made with bouillon cubes. The only good thing we ate were the baked potatoes.
(1)
David C.
What a disappointment from the last time, I hate to feel this way after a long drive from New Jersey to have a great meal with my gf. We arrived for our reservation around 8:45 and there were staff still picketing outside. We went inside and noticed that the large dinning area was closed off on the left side and was told to wait by the bar for our table. We ordered a drink and had a brief conversation with the bartender regarding the strike. He said that Sparks hired like 25 new servers but to my calculation there were less than 25 servers and staff put together in the dinning area. We were seated shortly . We felt like we were in a diner after 3am with people running around like crazy. We sat in a table in the middle of the dinning area , crammed like sardines. The waiter quickly came and dropped off menus and took off like a groom with cold feet. The bread server came over and dropped the bread on the floor while putting it on our plates, but not only once but twice and he left the bread on the floor. He said he would come back and he never did. Our server came and took our order and quickly left. Our appetizer came, we ordered the crab meat with scallops which was good but looks like they skimmed out on the dish. Our dinner came and it was ok but definitely not like the last few times we were there. Here is the low down: Lack of staff and lack of experience. Looks like they put an add on Craigslist looking for pt waiters and found them. There seems to be lack of love in the preparation of the food. If they don't step up we won't be going back there, I'm sure they really don't care because some people are not so critical but if I'm paying over $55 for a piece of steak then I am allowed to be critical.
Ordered the 3 1/2 pound fresh lobster. When it was delivered to us, the server joked saying it was 'Larry.' Oh no- can't name the food -lol. Lobster was very good. The cheesecake came with fresh berries. The Manhattan drink was good! This was an iconic spot, we had read the history of this place.
I went for lunch at Sparks last year after A hiatus if many years. It was not how I remembered it at all! The steak was small, very dry. And way overpriced. To say I was disappointed is an understatement! In addition, I stopped in to speak to the manager and he/she did not do me the courtesy if coming out to speak with me. Clearly, there is now very little respect for their clients. The last few months had been very difficult fir patrons, workers, AND strikers who have made the neighborhood a hostage to their antics. With all the great restaurants in the area, I would not return to Sparks--ever. What a shame!
(1)
renje g.
+++ - Filet is HUUUGGGEEEEE!!!!! I got four meals out of it - Cheesecake is soft and not very dense, the crust is light as well ++ - Steak and fromage is my second favorite, that too, is a large portion, but not as big as filet - Veal cutlet was delicious
(4)
Stephanie L.
I walked onto Sparks hoping for a quintessential steakhouse experience... and that's exactly what I got. Ambiance: dark wood interior with red fabric accents. Exactly what I expect (and want) from a steak serving man-cave. Food: excellent. The mozzarella de bufala with tomato was perfect. Wild greens and tomato salad looked delicious and light. I had the trout that was cooked perfectly, served open and deboned while easy to separate from the skin. The filet mignons I saw were HUGE! Easily double or triple the size of the petite filets usually seen. Perfectly cooked and cut like butter too. Sides are a la carte. Spinach was cooked perfectly and not at all drenched in oil as many other places do. Special salute to the hash brown potatoes. This is normally not my deal, but these we're ASTOUNDING. Imagine a baked potato cut in larger pieces, seared/ blackened (not burnt) and perfectly seasoned. It's everything I've ever looked for in a potato. Service was attentive and very friendly - even for the 40-50 person group I was with. Definitely a good spot for groups of any size.
(4)
Jess M.
I'm so upset about our experience. A group of 12 of us are visiting from Texas, celebrating my dad's 50th birthday by watching the ball drop on NYE, this is the last night of our trip and isn't sending us home on a great note. The food is EXCELLENT when they actually bring it to you. Never got our salads, the waiter was in 0 ways helpful. Took forever to get drinks, had to repeat orders and send incorrect things back. We asked a waiter if there was a cool, local/dive, close, karaoke bar around his condescending response, "do you have phones? Then Yelp it.".... As an avid LOVER and consulter of Yelp, I'm not knocking it at all... But HE LIVES HERE.. The reason we asked in the first place was because he lives here. Don't think I can talk any of them into coming back.
(2)
Barry P.
I wanted to add something about my visit to Sparks. The comment that "I didn't care" was not meant that I don't care about the servers that are protesting. I don't care meant that it wasn't stopping me from eating. The protestors were very rude calling us names and shooting birds. I had no clue what was going on until we got there, I hope they work things out. I left a $70 tip and there were only two of us eating. I hope they work things out or find a better place to work. Too many places to work in NYC to waste time trying to change management and harass customers. I hope they resolve things in a timely manner.
(5)
Justin S.
With a restaurant of this stature, it is unacceptable for the management to mistreat their staff and have a protest outside their restaurant. The service was horrible because the staff quit. The food was decent.
(2)
Joya J.
My family was visiting from out of town and I brought them here. The waitstaff was attentive and super helpful. Our waiter in particular was fabulous. We weren't sure on which sides and wine to get, so we asked our waiter his recommendations. We ended up following his suggestions (Cabernet Sauvignon, potatoes, asparagus) and we were not disappointed. Delicious. The portion sizes are huge. The steak was incredible- juicy and flavorful. The restaurant itself is a great, welcoming atmosphere. I'll be back for sure!
(5)
Erwin B.
I was there on Friday....let's just say it was an experience. After being bombarded with the protesters' chants of "DON'T GO IN!" and being screamed at, we went in. The front of the house was pretty chaotic, as you can tell that the front was being bombarded by rattled patrons that did not know what was going on. We retreated to the bar, got ourselves some mixed drinks (they don't serve beer here). Afterwards, everything went as smooth as can possibly be. You can tell that they were understaffed and workers were out of their elements (bussers becoming servers, servers becoming waiters, bartenders helping out, etc.). There were a few mix ups here and there, but nothing that would make us want to leave. Overall, the food was excellent. I truly recommend the prime sirloin. That's basically all they should serve, to be honest. To die for. I want to give this place 5 stars, especially with all of its history and old NYC ties. I'm just upset I didn't get to take pictures outside the place (yeah, a touristy thing to do would've been to lay on the sidewalk.).
(4)
Lewis K.
DO NOT GO HERE I spend a lot of time in steakhouses. For years I have maintained a top 10 list of steakhouses in NYC. For years Sparks has maintained the number one position. Yes, ahead of Luger, Wollensky, etc. unfortunately, this restaurant has drastically changed and there is a constant battle between staff and management. This past week upon arriving to the restaurant I was confronted by protestors/picketers outside the front of sparks. At first I thought it was a demonstration regarding the Fergusson shootings. After gaining access to the restaurant I learned that the people outside were the entire staff who has decided to walk out of work in the middle of dinner time. I learned that the sparks staff are union workers and they are not happy with their contract. Apparently they feel they are not being treated as fairly as other steakhouses treat their employees. My advice to the staff: if you are not happy with your employer then maybe it's time to leave and seek employment elsewhere. My advice to management: if you are aware of a possible labor action affecting your ability to serve your customers then a courtesy notification should be given to anyone with a pending reservation. Goodbye old friend it was an enjoyable 22 years.
(1)
Ryan R.
The staff is on strike because of mgmt/owner abuse and stealing their tips. So the restaurant has temps waiting the tables. I had the worst service from these temps I've ever had to endure. They mean well, but are totally clueless. Management seemed to care more about taking my money than ensuring my satisfaction. If I, a paying customer is this mistreated, then I can only imagine how horrible they treat their staff who staged a walk out. Oh, and my food was cold.
(1)
Sonia K.
I've been wanting to go to Sparks since the last time I've been was nearly 20 years ago. I've been going to Wolfgang's, Del Frisco, etc...so, wanted to go back to the old-school steakhouse. All was good except my steak was more done than thought. But, all in all, this is about a four for its huge portions and fairly good quality steaks, and great appetizers. I would not recommend this to small eaters, or sophisticated connoisseurs.
(4)
Francois D.
This steakhouse is great. Best I've ever been to. I've only come here three times (I live in DC, not NY, so don't get up much), but every time it's been wonderful. I don't understand the complaints at all. My steak is always nicely cooked, with a great char, fantastic flavor, and proper center (it probably helps that I usually ask for medium, because small deviations from that are less noticeable than small deviations from rare or medium-rare in my opinion, but still). Summaraizing my three trips, the first time was really basic. I came up with a friend to see some shows, and we decided to have dinner. Steak was excellent as already said. We had some sides though, and I'll admit that's the one weak spot here (or it was then at least). The sides I ordered were overpriced (sort of expected), but poorly cooked. Overcooked and soggy. Disappointing really, and I never ordered sides there again. That certainly didn't ruin the meal though. This is the only trip where I experienced the "overly abrasive waiter" syndrome some other people have talked about. It wasn't a problem though. He did his job pretty well regardless of silence. Second time I went out with two people when in town for a little convention. They ended up being underdressed (it's definitely a place for shirts or nice t-shirts with a dress jacket on top or something, although that's not an enforced policy). So it was a bit awkward. Out waiter was really nice this time though, and made everyone feel ok. We got a table a bit out of the way, but weren't jammed into a hidden corner or anything. The wine list was (and still is) pretty fantastic (unless you're looking for whites). The third and most recent time I went up alone to NY a few weeks ago to look for a sofa. I got there a bit before opening and was allowed to hang out at the bar from 4:30 till 5:00. It's a really nice bar, and the barkeeper was a good guy. The steak, again, was fantastic. I ordered a bottle of wine (which I probably/definitely shouldn't have, being alone.....) and ended up spilling half a glass on the table cloth towards the end, when my coordination had sort of vanished. The waiter was really good about it. Maybe it's because I left a decent tip... but even so. Pretty embarrassing, but he did a good job making me feel ok and, prior to that, provided excellent service through the meal. Every time I've gone has been on the earlier end of things (5-6:00), so maybe that's impacted me having better service than some people report? The place really does start to get packed as the evening goes on. Anyways - very atmospheric restaurant with very high quality steak, and a very nice (red) wine list. The waiters (in my experience) have always been really helpful and on top of things, without doing any of that hovering you sometimes get from overanxious waiters. I love this place, and will definitely go back the next time I have an excuse to visit NYC. I wish there was somewhere to match in DC.
(5)
Benazir A.
I am prefacing this with saying that maybe my steak taste buds have just died because between this place and Quality Meats, I'm confused as to why I hated both meals. The service was great and the wine selection is fairly extensive but I asked for steak medium, it came out medium well. My friend asked for her steak medium rare and came out medium. The sides weren't memorable.
(1)
Matt H.
If your looking to have some of the best steak of your life, then this is the spot to visit. I'm enjoy myself every time I visit and they fail to disappoint. The only thing is the dining room needs to get renovated. Too outdated for me and my wife's taste. Other then that Id give it 5 stars!
(4)
Kari S.
My husband and I had our first date here in October 2011, our next visit was actually the setting where he proposed in August 2012. Both of those experiences were 5+ star experiences. On the evening in 2012 when he proposed the staff were amazing, they spontaneously brought out champagne to toast with as well as a desert that had "Congratulations" drizzled in chocolate. The reason for the 3 stars is for our most recent experience in August 2013. We thought that it would be incredibly special to come back for the anniversary of our engagement. We even made a special trip in a few weeks prior.. (At that time we lived in the Financial District and took a cab all the way up) to reserve the exact same table we were sitting at a year prior when he got down on one knee. When making the reservation we explained in detail the reason for the special request of that SPECIFIC table. I went as far as walking over to it and pointing, and said "This is the one, this is the table we want." Anyways, August 18th, 2013 rolls around and my husband and I take a cab up from downtown and are very much looking forward to a memorable experience (I mean, cmon, this is our third visit, we are now married -- and we met and got engaged at this restaurant). When we arrive (on time) we are told it would be just a few minutes for our table to be ready. So we happily take a seat at the bar and order ketel one martini's. 15-20 minutes passes and the manager approaches me to let me know that the couple seated at the table we had reserved are going to take a "little longer than anticipated." I immediately became upset and made the argument that we had reserved the table for that designated time and date, and had come in 2 weeks ago and communicated the importance of sitting in that particular place. Basically, the manager apologized and said they couldn't predict how long people will sit to eat. He said we could "wait, or sit somewhere else." Anyways, we are shuffled to another table across the dining room in an undesirable table in the middle. (The one we had reserved is an intimate table tucked away in a corner in the front of the restaurant.) I look over at the couple who are seated in our "would be" spots, and they have literally just received their meals. So, basically the hostess and management had made NO effort in assuring that our table would be available for our reservation. They must have sat 20-30 minutes prior to when we were due to arrive; this wasn't a case of someone sitting for 3 hours already. I was upset and wanted to leave, but my husband convinced me to stay and order dinner anyways. The management sent out champagne as an apology, but didn't say much else. I know this is a long review but the synopsis is this: don't come here and expect to (happily) celebrate a special occasion. Their was obviously a lack of training at the host stand, and a lack of empathy from management for a really upset customer. Its a shame too, my husband and I have been to all the steakhouses in NYC, we love a good meal with a bottle of red wine. (ie: Peter Luger's, Del Frisco's, Morton, Smith & Wollensky, BLT, Wolfgang's.) I don't think we will be back, the experience has been ruined, and we can spend $400 for dinner for 2 elsewhere, thanks. When we move back to NYC in 2 years I will have to find a new favorite.
(3)
Kimberly E.
The best ever!!!!! Wonderful service and exceptional food! Paco was very attentive and very helpful!!
(5)
Molly R.
My boyfriend and I traveled to NYC from Tampa, where we typically prefer Bern's Steakhouse. He had raved about the filet at Sparks (from his younger years) and insisted on having his birthday dinner there. It was absolutely amazing! We dressed up for the occasion and the atmosphere definitely seemed to be higher scale and meant for classy dress. Though there were families dining who had teenagers in shorts and sweatshirts, so I don't believe there's a dress code. The wine list is impressive and quite extensive. The service was impeccable and the atmosphere and lighting were very comfortable. I enjoyed the light fixtures and landscape paintings in fancy frames lining the walls. Not only that but I was fascinated by the story of the mob shooting that took place there in the 80s- I love places with interesting history! We each order the Filet Mignon cooked medium rare. The steaks were about 13 ounces and THE BEST filet I've ever had. It topped the filet that I typically call the best at Bern's in Tampa. The perfect char on the outside but it fell apart in my mouth like a good steak should. Absolutely divine. The Hashbrowns we ordered were equally delicious. I highly recommend visiting Sparks for dinner if you're in town. Before you go be sure to look up the Sparks Steakhouse mob shootings! It's an interesting part of the location's history!
(5)
Darren F.
Mediocre service. Bland apps and sides. Dry, overcooked steak. This is NOT a fine steakhouse. Clearly riding out their once stellar reputation.
(2)
Dave L.
Sparks provides that classic feel of an old-school steak house. There is an honesty in doing something really well and not trying to be everything to everyone. White tablecloths, dark walls covered with art work, and a flurry of wait staff servicing the room. The menu is straightforward. It is one page with several options in each section. Appetizers and salads, a handful of steaks and a few other entrees, seafood and fish dishes, the lobsters, and sides. All the classics that you would expect in a steakhouse are there. It's not inexpensive, but not extravagant by any means with most entrees in the $30-60 range. The wine list is extensive. Pages of options which span the entire varietal, geographical, and price landscape. You will definitely find something to suit your tastes, and be tantalized by hundreds of bottles you are not ordering. I've had steaks there; they are delicious. I know it's a combination of quality supply, proper aging, and expert preparation, but I don't know much more than that. I just know that I can always expect excellence when I visit Sparks, and I've never been disappointed. I've also had the lobster there. If you enjoy lobster, I would recommend it over the steaks. It is decadent and magical. The presentation makes enjoying it effortless, you will feel like royalty when they present it to you. The salads are big enough to share, which I often do based on the generous portion size of entrees. The sides I've had have been great, but the hash brown potatoes are a must. If you can save room for dessert, you will be impressed again. One of the last times I was there, the table split three desserts between five people. We were all hesitant to order after our huge meals, but none of us regretted it after tasting our way around the table. On top of it all, you will receive exceptional service from a very knowledgeable staff. I've had all questions answered, great suggestions made, and fantastic treatment the one time we did send one dish back to the kitchen. Among the best dining experiences I've had in New York City.
(5)
Gail R.
My husband and I came here a month or so ago, amid the union dispute, and had one of the most special experiences we've ever had at a steakhouse in NYC. The staff was extremely attentive, and made every effort to make our experience memorable despite the worst efforts of the picketing union. We each ordered a steak, and it was crispy on the outside, and cooked to perfection on the inside as we both like it. We are big meat eaters, and we have had very disappointing experiences at some of the more highly publicized steakhouses in the city, like The Benjamin. I would rate Sparks as a top two along with Keens. Definitely recommend visiting if you're in the mood for a perfect steak.
(5)
Sayeh R.
*meant lobster not lobster mac n cheese but that would be a great addition to the menu:)
(4)
Paolo W.
Went to Sparks very recently as my brother and best friend were in town from the UK. I had been telling them how great it was and how the service was first class. Not this time! The service was awful - from having to cross the picket line outside to the rude waiter serving us. This place is more expensive than some of the other steak houses in the city but I was willing to pay for the experience and the great wait staff. When the wait staff are terrible, the experience is bad and hence I just wasted $500 on a bad meal. Apparently the reason is that the staff are protesting about their health benefits so they have the "new generation" of Sparks waiters in (3 out of 40 are new). The new generation are not a patch on the old generation and I won't be coming back for at least 20 years until these new guys have the experience and charm of the ones picketing outside. Tip for management - pay the healthcare, get your old staff back in - they are what makes this place special
(1)
Arielle M.
The owner needs to respect his employees of over 25+ years! I live in the area and hear the protesting of the men who worked there for so many years. Shame on the restaurant for taking away their benefits and thus making them have to leave!
(1)
Matt V.
A NY steak institution. This was my first time eating here after recommendations from my brother and other numerous sources. It was much larger than I was expecting, the main dining room is massive and the walls are covered in framed landscape paintings. The service is top notch, in an old school style, the linen table clothe is even replaced right before coffee and desert. I ordered the sliced steak with roasted red peppers and onions cooked medium rare. My only regret was not ordering medium-well which my girlfriend did, it was incredibly good. The juices of the steak combined with the light sauce they poor over enhances the flavor of the meat. My steak was paired with a dry chianti which was a perfect partner. If anything there was too much food, we had ordered some vegetable sides to share and could hardly finish. It was a great atmosphere, a great meal and of course some discussion around events that took place on 46th street. An institution and one of a kind experience in New York City dining!!
(4)
Anna G.
The quintessential NYC steak house experience. Phenomenal meal, phenomenal service, and a phenomenal setting (look up its history, it's a New York City landmark!). Of course it's quite pricey, but that makes it a perfect spot for a special occasion, and you're paying for high quality food and service. My steak was cooked perfectly, just as I asked, and I was so excited to see that they give you an actual cup filled with warm butter than you can dip your steak in--so genius! The best sides are definitely the hashbrown potatoes and the creamed spinach, as they went perfectly with my steak. If you're not a big steak person, they do also have a number of seafood options that looked and sounded delicious as well. The servers are highly formal and professional, and you can tell they've gone through extensive training. They present the food in an extravagant manner, so it's really an unforgettable experience.
(5)
V H.
This place is still on strike the noise coming from outside is unbearable, wait till the strike is over not worth the trouble.
(1)
Carrie Neal W.
I. Love. Meat. This is well-known to those Yelpers who read my reviews. Trying it in a different city is always something I'm up to do! So when he took me away to NYC for my birthday yesterday, and suggested dinner at a steak place he particularly likes, of course I was in! I'd consider this kind of an "old school" sort of place - dimly lit, masculine appointments, classic menu.I like all of these attributes in a steak restaurant. Huge wine list. We eat well together so we easily decided on a filet (a perfect med-rare as it came out), asparagus, a baked potato and the mushroom caps - which our bartender LC was nice enough to recommend over the mixed mushrooms. So much food! Add a nice bottle of Cab and we were set! The steak was awesome, he loved the asparagus, and I thought the mushrooms were very good. I had never had port before but, hey, it was my birthday so a second dessert (post our lunch tiramisu) seemed reasonable, and the vanilla ice cream with port caught my eye- oh, was it good!! We had a lovely dinner before our late return flight to Atlanta, great service- and an added smile because another patron was celebrating his birthday a few seats down from us, and it didn't hurt that the maitre d' covered for him when he told me he was going to the restroom and instead ran down the street to get me roses from the corner bodega. Yes, I *heart* NYC and - if we lived there it would certainly be a spot we'd frequent, and I would definitely return to Sparks on a future visit!
(4)
Susan B.
The last time we visited Sparks was 3 years ago and it was wonderful. We went on Saturday 3/28/15 and the food has really gone down. I ordered the shrimp and lobster and my husband ordered the sirloin so we could share. The shrimp were extra large shrimp which I can buy and cook all the time and they weren't even tasty. The last time we were there the shrimp were huge and very tasty. We were with a party of 8 and the bill was close to 1500-You would think the food would be out of this world for that amount of money.
(2)
Andrew B.
Best steakhouse in NYC.
(4)
alan m.
Disappointing. It used to be my absolute favorite steak place in NYC. Until now. I went there a couple of weeks ago and there was a big crew (workers on strike) that blew horns every time the doors opened. Not pleasant upon entering or when in the restaurant. But I don't know who is to blame so tried not to let it bother us. The bigger problem was the steaks were not cooked right (one of us had to send their gorgeous filet back 2x). The meat looked great but a medium can't be totally raw in the middle. Maybe the chef was one of the strikers? The server was clearly a rookie, but was nice enough. When it came time to paying the bill, the Matre D/captain was not very understanding about how badly our meal was screwed up. And he made it as if it was OUR problem. THAT was really disturbing. Hey, sh_t happens but don't blame the victim. I tried to call the manager the next day to provide feedback and discuss. I spoke to one of the guys who answered but never got a returned call back from the manager. So while I was patient before writing this review, it needs to be written. 2 star is all I can give it and 1 of those was for the great meals in the past.
(2)
John A.
Do yourself a favor skip this place ! Maybe in the 80s this was a relevant steakhouse and I find that iffy. Overpriced for poor quality and sub standard fare, if you just want to eat at the place a mafia guy got whacked then by all means, but if you are looking for an epicurean epiphany skip it. I can legitimately say that Ruth Chris, Morton's cook up way better food and they are franchised not a stand alone, which in theory should put out better food. The decor is dated and it's so stuffy, it wants to be but it falls way short of the mark. From the dry creamed spinach to the steamed bland broccoli the sides are poor and the meat is standard. NYC has so many other places worthy of your money.
(1)
Ashley B.
For the most part this restaurant is a good choice. They have enough options to satisfy different people and the food tasted pretty good as well. Initially the waiter seemed a ilttle bit cold to us as he was catering very heavily to the table next to us but eventually he warmed up. We were happy with the ambiance; felt more like a traditional new york steak house which was nice. I'd recommend giving it a try.
(4)
Shota A.
Nice service/dishes with classical atomosphere
(4)
Jonathan A.
My second favorite steak house in NYC. The only place better is DelFrisco's. But this is a close second. It was so good that I went here twice in one week! I have tried both the filet mignon and the sirloin. Both were cooked perfectly and exactly how I wanted it. The caesar salad uses real anchovies. You can actually taste them. I had the creamed spinach, hash browns and asparagus sides. Each were good. Not the best sides ever, but really really good. The service is very good and pretty fast. Its amazing that for such a large place, you are never really waiting too long for your food. I highly recommend it! A+++++++
(5)
Chris K.
Sparks is like going back in time, you keep expecting James Gandolfino, to walk in and whack some people. The waiters are all older guys who look like they've been doing the job since the 50's and it's impossible to get a smile out of them. For an English person such as myself this is all just perfect The steak menu is kind of limited, but what they have is good. If anything the cuts are too thick to get an evenly cooked piece of meat to your choice but hey.. Sides fine wine good, I've been twice and I'll go again.
(4)
P N.
We went to this restaurant for a business dinner. It was my first time here; yes there is much history and the presenter mentioned the gaudy story. The restaurant was busy and staff was friendly. I anticipated the meal to be small, given that we were;t paying, but the portions were excellent. Of course I had steak: the filet mignon and it was HUGE! I ordered mine medium-rare and it was done perfectly, with a bit of a crust on the outside but almost juicy on the inside. It was pure velvet in my mouth. Even though we were about 20, the service never missed a beat. Great job! I can't speak for the price, but I am sure it was a pretty penny. I was told the filet was about $55. Def. a great NYC experience without snobbery.
(4)
Amber M.
Great place! Very old world ambiance. Giant (sized) menu with extensive wine list. Extra large portions, plenty big to share. Shrimp cocktail was fantastic. Beef medallions, excellent. Nothing bad to say here. Service was attentive. Coffee service after dinner from a tiny little silver pot. Loved it!
(5)
Robert C.
Had reservations to Spark's for a friends birthday this past Saturday night at 8:30. Upon arrival (we were on time) we had to spend 15 minutes just to speak to the Maitre'D who informed us that they were at the least 45 minutes behind on reservations. In talking with other patrons they mentioned that they had been waiting for an hour past the time they had made reservations. I do not understand how a restaurant can overbook so much. To make matters worse there seemed to be no semblance of organization from the staff who were just running around jotting things down on paper that could in no way inform them of who has been waiting how long. We had asked to leave our cell phone to be contacted once our table was ready since the place was mobbed and the bar was jam packed, however we were told if we left they would not honor our reservation. I have been here prior to this experience and had an enjoyable experience, but with all the great steak houses in NY I don't need to experience service like this and will not be returning.
(1)
Sean M.
I have eaten her once before and had a decent experience, even a very good one. I think the food is truly very good, wine list strong and service was solid. However, I also live and work near the restaurant, and the protesting outside lately is frankly unbearable. It is beginning to mar my view of the restaurant since the amount of noise and fury spewing forth is just plain chaotic, borderline rebellious. My suggestion to management is to acquiesce to their grievances and resume life as normal. The din coming from the throngs reflects poorly on the overall establishment...not sure how people can eat or work there now..
(3)
Henry Y.
Probably the least worthwhile steak I've ever had. The atmosphere is incredibly stuffy. There's nothing worse than old white dudes serving you food while they grumble to themselves. I'm usually not a fan of the sides provided at steakhouses but these were just awful. The veggies were mushier than usual and everything else was oversalted beyond belief. The only people who like Sparks must also be the ones who think DelFrisco's is the bee's knees. How sad.
(1)
Jim V.
All I can say is for the overall experience very over priced. If I could just get the food without the service experience maybe a better value. Who knows ???
(2)
Harkirat S.
My steakhouse staple, and it is refreshing to see how the restaurant has maintained its quality over the years. The steaks are obviously excellent but I would recommend to try the seafoods too! The salmon is divine!
(5)
Mary R.
I travel to NYC frequently on business and have eaten at Sparks several times and each experience was fantastic! The food is delicious and the service amazing! I was there on December 10th and after our waiter took our order the waitstaff walked off deciding to strike in the middle of our meal. However, the meal was still served timely and even tasted better than ever. I noticed a couple of reviews that mentioned the strike and It was my understanding that it wasn't scabs working that night it was friends that stepped in to help out the owner who is very friendly and knows how to treat his customers and that the first time they walked off was just a couple days ago so there was no time to warn customers. I don't understand the need for the waiters to walk off. If you don't like your job or think you're not being treated fairly find another job! There are plenty of jobs for good waiters. I still highly recommend Sparks whether it's for a business meeting or if you just want a really good steak!
(5)
R P.
One of my favorites in the City. Classic, traditional and consistently good. Their porterhouse is amazing, liquor is a bit overpriced, but what can you expect. Definitely a recommended place.
(5)
Fork You Z.
Good steak, not GREAT and not worth the price. Perhaps i just had an "off" night and my taste buds were acting up. Been here a few times for business but always had apps, then a lobster another time. Sure it was big as hell, but unless you overcook it, its still a crustacean. Wasnt impressed with the steak, it was good, but not GREAT, ya know what I mean. Probably will not return by choice, unless somebody else gonna flip the bill.
(3)
William P.
When we arrived last night and the wait staff was protesting outside. It was obvious they were the A-team. We didn't get half of our food and the food wasn't great. Outback Steakhouse cooks a better steak. It's great eating at local places and staying away from chains but this is not one of them. Fantastic restaurant atmosphere and I am sure on most nights they have it together. This was not one of their finer moments for the price.
(1)
A M.
Went here for a late lunch the other day, and was thoroughly impressed. Fresh bread was served and the waiters were all very nice. The decor was simple and elegant and everyone was very friendly. I ordered the prime sirloin. DELICIOUS. Hands down, best steak I've ever had. Our waitress brought us an excellent sauce for us to try, and the side of hash brown potatoes was great as well. However, the steak easily could have been split between two or three people, but I was able to have leftovers! Our waitress Helaine (spelling?) was amazing. We chatted with her for a while about a variety of things, as they weren't very busy at 2:00 pm. She even recommended some things for us to do in New York and went above and beyond serving us well. This restaurant is a MUST TRY!
(5)
Sonae D.
With 10 people standing around, I'm wondering why I had to approach someone for assistance and we made reservations. At nearly, $70 per person, I was sorely disappointed. Sore because it was a $400 bill. Yeah, won't happen again. I gave it 2 stars because the salmon was good.
(2)
Nicholas T.
This is a classic establishment (a la Mad Men the series) with quality service and excellent food. If you feel like going out for a real wine and dine experience in NYC you can't go wrong with Spark's Steak House.
(5)
Sara G.
I have been to this restaurant twice and each time have experienced amazing food and service. I frequently travel all over the United States and have been to some of the best steakhouses in the country. Their prime sirloin steak is one of the finest. Bring a date to order the 5 1/2 pound lobster and you get the best surf and turf meal available anywhere if she is willing to share! The wine list is extensive and balanced. I found the wait staff welcoming and personable each time and I find myself frequently recommending travelers to the best steakhouse in the city.
(5)
Mary C.
Horrible rude services with over priced average food. 2 of my friends and I went there for dinner. They seated us in an isle table. there were very little spaces between the tables (approx 1.5 feet). 1 table over, there was a huge walking isle. All the servers decided it was better to squeeze through the tiny gap and bump into my chair the whole entire night rather than use the huge isle 1 table over. I ask them to stop and they didn't. I ask them how much time it saves them by bumping into my chair all night and one of the servers said 5 valuable seconds! I think if they weren't mob related, they would have been out of business a long time ago.
(1)
Ben L.
Sparks is good. It's just not great when compared to the caliber of steakhouses in NYC. I came with a rather large party (about 15), and first off the waitstaff is phenomenal. They catered to us without a hitch, and any request we had was quickly met. These are the kinds of waiters that work at this place lifelong and know every in and out of the place (we even got the story of how Gotti got shot). So to start we shared a plethora of family style appetizers; tomato and moz, shrimp in butter, shrimp and crab meat cocktail, and oysters. Just the sheer size of the shrimp and portions was very impressive. The oysters were honestly pretty unremarkable. They tasted okay, but didn't have that define briny flavor of some oysters - they were very mild, some people prefer that but not me. So overall nothing blew me away. For my main i had their famous sirloin, rare. So my biggest gripe with the steak was how little of the steak was actually rare. It's a thick, maybe 2 inch piece of meat and only about the center (less than an inch probably) was actually rare. I might be nit picking, but a majority of the center should be pretty bloody; the steak was more medium-rare than rare. For sides we all did creamed spinach, hash browns, and mushrooms. All pretty standard steakhouse sides, but well done. This isn't to say that the steak tasted perfectly fine - just not perfect. For desert we all shared the family style again; it had cheesecake, pecan pie, and ice cream, and pecan pie with berries and whipped cream on the platter. Desert was pretty fantastic. Nothing revolutionary but some well done classics. The pecan pie was a bit too sweet without a salty note to balance, though. So factor in (a lot of) wine and drinks the dinner came out to $300+ a person. It was an enjoyable dinner, especially because of the service and ambiance (very old New York City vibe). However considering the price and that for the same money there are better steakhouses out there, I will probably go elsewhere in the future unless someone else decides to invite me here.
(3)
Rachel P.
I rarely ever write reviews, but I've been to sparks four or five times in the past few years, and without exception the experience has been superb. The waitstaff is very knowledgeable and friendly and are always ready with suggestions when asked. The steak is the best I've ever had, and all the other items on the menu are amazing as well The decor is very unique - very old New York steakhouse feel to it - so it's a great place to take out of town guests that you want to impress. This is definitely my favorite steakhouse in nyc and I recommend it to anyone!
(5)
Johnny S.
This steak house is top notch. For me, I only go for a rare occasion as its a bit pricey and this visit was to discuss me and may lady's future and where we want to be in 10 years. Everything worked out great and the steaks (NY Strip) we're amazing as usual.
(5)
Penny M.
So incredibly disappointed. My Caesar salad was not homemade, not with fresh cheese or dressing and drenched at that. How can you charge that much when the quality is so poor? The crab and scallop appetizer was overcooked, lukewarm and tasteless. My filet was full of fat. The bernaise sauce was good but that was the only plus. This place is expensive so I expect quality. It was lackluster at best.
(2)
Ingrid L.
I'm heartbroken by how far they've fallen..we have been noticing the decline over the years, and tonight was such a good/horrible example.. 10 years ago, when we started coming here, we always were treated like guests and the food was impeccable. The service has gone significantly downhill and the food has followed..tonight, our server, kenan, was do inattentive that we had to flag another server, ian, down to place our order. This was 25 minutes after our bottle of wine was delivered.. We will always adore Adnan at the bar, but with the decline in service and the decline in the quality of the food (my $52 entree looked like it had been dumped on the plate and my food was literally thrown onto the table in front of me..)we won't be back.
(2)
Joe Z.
So my chick and I went here to celebrate new employment. I love steak and have never been to this well known institution. So I was looking forward to it greatly. Unfortunately, my experience was destroyed by a bunch of morons, the wait staff. Apparently the guys who carry food from the kitchen to my table feel that their pay problems should also be my problem. Yep, the Friday I decide to go to Sparks these guys walk out and strike. Upon arriving at the restaurant, we were greeted with the wait staff who were wearing sandwich boards and ranting and raving outside the restaurant. I had no clue was going on and could not understand what they were saying. Honestly, I dont care. Im a working man but I dont collectively bargain. I believe your employment issues are between the owners and the individual worker and should never involve the customers. But this group of waiters didnt see it that way. They yelled at me as I walked down their line. They unsuccessfully tried to intimidate me and my chick not to go into Sparks. Well, like I said, this was suppose to be a celebration so in spite of the chorus of cat calling and boos we entered Sparks. Upon entering, I immediately asked if the kitchen staff walked out and management indicated that they did not. So the folks who prepare the food were still working. Thats all I needed to hear. It appeared that management and some new wait staff remained in-house. Due to the strike and the fact that it appeared Sparks was a little shell shocked, I decided to keep things easy. No apps (Thanks wait staff). I had a Caesar salad - it was fine. I ordered a sirloin med rare. It was cooked to perfection but needed a touch more salt. My chick ordered Sliced Steak which was served with bordelaise sauce and fresh mushrooms. She loved it and I hated it. Overall the meal was fine. The wait staff who remained told me that they had family to think about and did not walk out. These guys did an OK job. I mean they brought the food from the kitchen to my table, which all they really needed to do. I got my drink refilled without asking as well as an extra piece of bread. Seemed like they did the same job the guys outside would have done - they were fine. I probably waited longer then normal to get my check but whatever. Given the unreasonable circumstances, it was understood. In addition, the ambience was destroyed as we had to listen to the wait staff rant and rave outside for the duration of our meal. I felt like I was eating in a war zone. So in sum, the food was fine but the experience kinda sucked. Thanks wait staff. Most troubling is that the house did not offer me anything. No free drink, no discount, no free app, no nothing. I thought I deserved something after keeping my reservation, crossing the picket line of hooligans and having to listen to these guys hoot and holler throughout dinner. But I got nothing. I guess its worth going to Sparks at least once to say you tried it but just be on notice that the wait staff may decide not to show up to work.
(3)
Jessica H.
Wildly overpriced for small side dishes and simple, unseasoned, overcooked steak. Service was ok, but manager argued with us when we complained about an overcooked steak. Definitely not worth the price... There has to be a good reason workers were protesting outside.
(1)
Samantha C.
This place is absolutely wonderful. The lobster is superb along with the best hospitality!
(5)
Lily T.
came here for a company related dinner, so everything was free I had the sliced tomato and onion salad: just ok. It was really just sliced tomatoes and onions throw in salad sauce, nothing too special really Sliced steak with red peppers and onions: good. the beef was tender, and marinated nicely with the sauce and the onion. And red peppers were a nice touch to the steak. But it was definitely not the best steak I've had. Sides were very disappointing, the spinach tasted like it was boiled, very bland, not creamy at all... and the potatoes tasted boiled too for dessert, we got the cheesecake which was decent. service: good, the waiters kept on checking back on us ambiance: classy and upscale Overall, I would not come back if I had to pay for the dinner
(3)
Tim V.
Came here for work dinner. Steak and food was amazing as was the service. The prime sirloin was way more charred than I like. Maybe that's the way they make steaks. Was still delicious though
(4)
Hans K.
Food/Service/Atmosphere all top notch...a must for great, old-school NYC steakhouse cuisine with a historic bent...this place is great!
(4)
Lindsey S.
Pros: good spinach cream Cons: not impressive steak, crazy crowded place, reservation doesn't mean anything. I came here for my friend's bday dinner. We had a reservation but of course, we were not seated until everyone showed up. As I walked in, I was pushed and nudged by the crowd at the reception. Obviously, everybody had a reservation but it doesn't mean anything here; be ready to wait another 30 mins. As for the food, I was not impressed with the prime sirloin steak. I've had way better steaks before else where... It was not properly seared and it was just bland and tasteless... For the price tag of $120 I spent there, I am not coming back. Period.
(3)
Beatriz K.
Seafood appetizer was not as fresh as I expected it would be... Filet Mignon was so juicy and flavorful! Jamaican coffee with Tia Maria was amazing!!!
(4)
Gregers B.
We had oysters and steaks. Oysters were above medium but I disagreed with my own choice of Duckhorn's Sauvignon Blanc. Steaks were humongous - as expected. Obviously cooked impeccably as well. We shared a serving of hash browns. Other than that, the steaks only companion was a bottle of Chateau Talbot 2005. A nice choice, but not unforgettable. Sparks is not really my kind of place, but they deliver what they promise. I like that.
(4)
Sooty D.
I used to love sparks, esp their signature Prime Sirloin cut. Anyways, I was going back there for more, to devour that cow. Alas, this time it was a total disappointment. I walked thru the entrance and noticed there's a picket line outside with a giant balloon rat protesting. The union'ed wait staff wasn't too happy with Spark's management I suppose, they were shouting at me not to patronize this once fine establishment. I should have heeded their attention, especially what the bill cost me in comparison to the food/service I received. In short, I had a mexican(latino) waiter that doesn't really know what he was doing ( I love mexican, they are the hardest working people around). He was a bit forceful in recommending what to drink "Cosmopolitan" and eat "even tho I told him I been there numerous time and I know what I want. He was dishing out suggestions that wasn't music to my ears. I ordered a bottle of red wine, he was nervous I guess, while he was pouring for me he spilled it on my pants and the table. I declined the offer to change our table cloth, which is not a big deal for me. The steak I ordered was Prime Sirloin medium rare, when it came out, it was cold in the middle, like cold from the fridge kind of cold. I don't ever recall eating a piece of medium rare steak that's cold in the middle. I am not sure if the cooks were Union people or they just found someone around the block to take over for the experienced union staff. I was disappointed with the food. The spinach and asparagus were bland, I can toss it in a boiling pot of water and could not do any worst then Sparks. This was a total disaster for me and my friend, especially we raved to our significant other how great and how sparks is one of our favorites steak house in the city (probably top 2). We took them out to this fine establishment and it was a total downer. The food is mediocre, the wait staff definitely needs to do some homework/training. They should be serving the ladies first, not the men then the ladies. I thought that was basic table etiquette. Also the wait staff just handed us the glasses instead of laying it down on our side. WTF I tip for??? I spent a buck fifty a head and got subpar mediocre service. I think that about covered my experience. I didn't even get a discount for taking a shower in my $100 bottle of red wine (a few drops landed on my new pants and then some splashed on the table). I'm not sure if i should go back there again, I packed my butt and will head over to Wolfgang down the block instead.
(1)
Brian K.
FAMOUS FOR: - Gambino Crime Family Boss Paul Castellano gunned down by John Gotti's men in 1985, right in front of this restaurant. - Prime Sirloin (10/10) BUZZ - Hash Brown Potatoes (9/10) I ALSO TRIED - Fresh Bufala Mozzarella w/ Sliced Tomato (10/10) - Lump Crab Meat & Bay Scallops (8/10) I do a bit of a traveling, but since my company caters to warehouses and 3PL companies, I might fly into a big city, but my work site is generally in the burbs, or some real podunk town. This was an executive meeting, so it was in NYC! While there're a ton of places I want to eat at in NYC, we only flew in for a 1 day meeting, and flew out the next morning. We tried to get a reservation at Peter Luger's (some say it is the best steakhouse in the country), but since they were booked for 2 months, we settled for Sparks, which has its own little claim to fame. I know nothing of this history, but as the story goes, Castellano was getting out of his car for a meeting arranged at Sparks, and then got gunned down by a whole bunch of John Gotti's team. It appeared that everyone who worked there was aware of this history. CRAB & SCALLOPS This was one of our appetizers. There isn't much for presentation, but I suppose with crab meat, it's not always easy. It's basically served kind of like a scampi - there's some buttery-garlicky sauce and there're some small scallops and shreds of crab meat everywhere. While it's not the most nicely prepared, it is pretty darn good! The crab meat is awesome even just by itself, but you add butter and garlic to it (which are 2 ingredients sent straight from heaven) and it's pretty amazing! The scallops were pretty good too, but nothing that would make me swoon for. Unfortunately, the bread came out after, and I would have (to my arteries' discomfort) sopped up all that buttery/garlicky/seafoody sauce. TOMATO & BUFALA MOZZ Essentially a Caprese Salad, which ranks up pretty high in my "favorite things to eat" category. First of all, the tomato actually tastes like a tomato. That seems obvious, but you'd be surprised how many things have tomatoes in it, but they seem to be there for just the texture, because the flavors are almost completely absent. No, here, that flavor is evident, and I can't get enough! Also, the Bufala Mozzarella is soft and creamy. You could almost spread it..almost. It's not like it felt like taking a bite out of cream cheese, but it was just a little firmer than that - to the point where you couldn't actually spread it. Maybe all the spicy foods burned off my taste buds, but I usually can't detect Mozzarella's flavors when it's on things like pizza, pasta, etc., but here, I could definitely taste it, a very gentle flavor. They also have, what I imagine to be, balsamic vinegar and basil in a small dish to add to your salad, and OMG does that make it even more incredible! I crave this dish 24/7! STEAK Wow! What a steak! First of all, it's got a beautiful char. You can tap at it and hear the knock, and immediately hear it knock back! The crust was definitely more than crispy, but less than crunchy. I award this "Best Crust on A Steak!" The crust even beats out Morton's and David Burke's! The meat is cooked perfectly medium rare, as I asked. The steak is a bit tougher than I like. I'm more of a ribeye guy, and this was closer to (and maybe it was) a New York Strip. So it received pretty good technical credits, but the taste...oh my God the taste! This steak was seasoned perfectly front to back, side to side! Every bite was never too salty, and never bland, so there was never a dull moment! The crust gave a VERY small smokiness to it, but nowhere near anything like Kansas City steaks. Because the meat is so high quality, you never get that moment where you chew on the same bite for a long time. It's almost as each bite was engineered to last a very specific amount of time, so you can get all the flavors and seasoning out of it, before it melts away. Guess what? Sparks has toppled Morton's ribeye to be my 3rd favorite steak of all time! HASHBROWNS These aren't like McDonalds hashbrowns or tater tots. These look like each piece was ripped off of a potato (with the skin on). Each piece is probably about the same size as a tater tot, but not in any kind of uniform shape. Though the potato part of it is like a baked potato, the skin part of it is not just crispy, it's downright crunchy! As for the taste, these guys really understand how to season food! This thing is as addicting as fries, yet the potato tastes like real potatoes, and not the frozen junk. Each bite has an embedded saltiness, but just the right amount without going overboard. As much as I loved them, and would like to have them again, I don't think I'd crave them. IT ONLY TAKES A SPARK! I'm outta room. Good luck getting a reservation, but it's worth it for the #3 steak of all time (#2=40 day, #1=55 day dry aged ribeye from David Burke's Primehouse). Prepare to spend money!
(5)
Brian C.
Solid steakhouse with classic NYC steakhouse decor. The service was top-notch. They were very accommodating to our requests, even with making us a special cake with a ridiculous message (our group was celebrating an typically non-celebratory event). They were very attentive with the drink refills and always asked if we needed anything else when our wine glasses were nearly empty. Truly great service - kudos to the staff there. The steak was very good. It's hard not to make comparisons in a city that has a large number of top-notch steakhouses. I would say that Sparks steak is great with the sear, outside texture, and seasoning, but falls short of being the best steakhouse in NYC. With that said, I don't think you will be disappointed. I ordered the sirloin, which appears to be their most popular cut, but also tried a bit of my friend's filet. I preferred the sirloin - very tender meat, easily cut with a single draw of the knife, no additional salt/pepper was really needed. Overall, a very good steak that was cooked to a perfect medium. Also tried some of the sides and appetizers. We started with a salad in their own house vinegar-based dressing, which I thought was OK. Probably would not order that again - I can't remember if it was complimentary. One appetizer ordered was the crab meat and scallops. Very well done. The creamed spinach is very creamy, which may or may not be your cup of tea. It reminded me of creamed spinach from Boston Market, with more cream and finer pieces of spinach. The onions and hashed potatoes were both excellent side dishes to our meals. If you're looking for a good steakhouse in NYC, this is one place you should check out. It's less well-known than the other more corporate places, but given the history of this place along with the years spent perfecting their steak, Sparks is a contender for best steakhouse in NYC.
(4)
Mooch B.
Came here for Dinner on Monday. This restaurant was great! I had the Red Snapper which was prepared PERFECTLY! every bite was better than the last. The creamy Spinach is also very good. The potatoes hash was ok nothing to go crazy about. My lady had the Broiled Shrimp and Lobster Tail very tasty and perfectly made...man this place was perfect lol I've seen a few reviews about the service not being good so I went into it not expecting much. I must say the service was EXCEPTIONAL! Miguel was the waiter, he couldn't have been more helpful, he was on point with EVERYTHING! overall great experience, great food can't go wrong......Oh it's pricey but worth it!
(5)
Raymond R.
We have dined in the finest traditional steakhouses throughout the country, Sparks was right at the top. Not a fru fru place. Professional service and wonderful food. I would recommend if you w ith your spouse, get two appetizers and split a steak. Especially if you are at a hotel and can't do anything with leftovers.
(5)
M. R.
Absolute worst experience I've ever had at a restaurant in NYC. Terrible service and the food is awful - the steak was totally overcooked (go to the west village for better options).
(1)
John K.
Sparks was pretty good ! Lamb chops were great however the giant rat and protest outside is a little disturbing. Still looks like a mob scene. Worth a try.
(4)
Eric H.
I went to Sparks last week--hosting a group of executives from our EU and US offices. Big boss likes steak and nothing else so Sparks seemed like reasonable mid-town choice for last minute team dinner on a Thursday evening (19 March). First bad sign was the inflatable rat labor dispute warning and picket line outside. No matter, its just grilling beef, what can go wrong... Little did I know they restaurant decided to hire as scabs the waiters rude enough but not funny enough to get jobs at Dick's Last Resort. After spotting oysters on the appetizer menu I jumped to the idea of a beer. A nice stout. Perhaps a nitro Guinness if nothing more interesting available, but heck there are 300-500 different bottles of wine on the menu, how about if I ask for the beer list. WOW. "we have Becks, Stella and Bud" No list - no stout, not even Guinness. I was surprised and asked if this was really true. "Wine goes with steak, beer is for burgers, we don't serve french fries either" Now really. call them frites and put the on the menu. They go with steak quite nicely, trust me. OK so I sulked and drank a so-so $100 bottle of South African Shiraz with my oysters. The oysters were pretty good- larger than I really like-but nice mineral character-clashed with the wine. I was missing my stout. Steaks came. Stuck with wine although was really hoping for a Belgian Dubble recommended in Beer Master's Table by Garrett Oliver. As expected a big piece of meat. Not rare like I ordered, more medium medium rare but I had no interest in further discussions with the waiter so let it go. Big Boss asked for peppercorn sauce. Was offered bernaise but he wanted peppercorn (probably a restaurant that had frites on the menu would understand this request). They tried, not well. But there was no avoiding sending back two other steaks at our table. Had been ordered rare. When asked what temperature the patron requested "room". Clarified - very rare - blue. Steaks came out charred completely black on outside and rare/raw on inside. I guess this is supposed to be a thing "black and blue". Well if it is it should come with a warning. Do you really want that steak completely unfit for human consumption? So after unreasonably protracted argument with waiter about these not being what we expected and can you please hurry up and fix this-- our dinner had to be extended while we waited for the two steaks to be replaced. That is always fun for everyone. As for Sparks, fix your labor dispute, or at least screen the scabs better and hire or consult with a Cicerone. Beer, especially craft, is not some low brow beverage to be mocked and if I am going to spend $100 a head on the food (about $1500 dinner for our group by the time we were done) I shouldn't have to argue about my beverage preference with a grape juice pushing jerk. There are better choices and I don't expect to be back to Sparks.
(2)
Peter R.
It doesn't get better than this. I have been to many a steakhouses in New York, but this place takes the cake. In terms of steak flavor/experience, the prime sirloin is out of this world. You get the old school feel of a NY restaurant. They have an extensive wine list. The staff is super knowledgable and clearly trained very well with high standards. Only downside is probably the fact that even if you're on time for your reservations and with the restaurant not full, they always seem to make you wait at the bar. You get the sense that they're just trying to bilk you out of a little more money on a pre-meal drink. Of course, you don't HAVE to buy a drink so I can't knock them too much for it. Fantastic old school steakhouse.
(5)
Brian R.
Came here as part of a group for an event that was hosted by a recruitment agency. I found the ambiance to be that of something straight out of the Godfather! We had a large group which usually predicts disaster so possibly if I was with a smaller group I would have had a better experience. All in all the food was great. I had the fillet medium-rare which was cooked to perfection and the sides were delicious by the portions should have been larger for the price. This is a $$$$ restaurant and it is New York City so the prices should be expected but overall I would say that it would be worth it even if I had to pay for it myself. The reason why I'm not giving this restaurant a 5/5 stars is because when I first entered the restaurant I was ignored for 10 minutes. Staff kept walking past me not even acknowledging my presence. I was not asked if I could be helped, if I had a reservation, or if I was joining someone. After 10 minutes, I just said screw it and walked the restaurant on my own to find my friends. Also as I mentioned before it was a busy night and the service dipped because of it. Waiters ignored our drink requests or meal requests and it was hard to get their attention also my friend got hit in the head by one of them. Overall, I would come back here, but only if someone else was paying or if it was free somehow. I prefer Wolfgang's Steakhouse much better.
(3)
J H.
Pretty nice steakhouse. I usually order filet at steakhouses but this place is well known for their tenderloin. Wow i did not make the wrong choice. It was cooked perfectly and seasoned right. The steak was also huge!!! The only little thing was the sides were in really small plates. Their drinks at the bar were pretty good and tasty. Recommended for groups or dates. Also this place is well known, has a history, can google it.
(4)
Jessica B.
We used to be customers back in the day but had stopped going because the service had been seriously slack. Creepy old men italian waiters that would simply just drop the food and drop the check. Made me feel uncomfortable every time I went in with a nice dress for dinner with the hubs. Anyways, imagine our delight to see that their entire crap staff had decided to go on strike. We bustled on over and sat down for the best meal we've had so far there. My filet was perfectly cooked (as was rarely the case in the past) and the sides were delectable. There was a nice selection of waiters and you could tell that it was no longer a staff of entitled hacks that had obviously only been hired because they knew someone who knew someone. Keep up the good work and don't let those hoo haas outside get you down. You're better off without them. We will be sure to be visiting much more often.
(5)
Pete B.
Best steak in New York. I have been to all the houses including Capital, Del Frisco's, Wolfgang's, STK, Ruth's and of course Luger's. Great selection of new and old world wines of course but there is something about a Sparks Sirloin that keeps me coming back again and again. Perfect crisp on the outside and the temperature has not been off once.
(5)
Erin C.
This place is run down. We left feeling like we wasted money. The quality of the food, service, and atmosphere was lacking. Food: The steak was okay, but nothing to write home about. I've been to most of the New York steakhouses, and Sparks was my least favorite. I felt like I could make some of the sides at least equally as well in my own kitchen. The dessert wasn't memorable either. Service: I had a black hair under my steak and when I told the waiter, he tried telling me that it was mine (I'm blonde) and didn't even offer an apology or to throw it back on the grill. He simply didn't give a crap. When the service is poor, that tells me that the owners are too cheap to treat their staff well. And when they're too cheap in this department, they must be cheap in other key areas, such as food quality and sanitation. Atmosphere: This place is in need of some TLC and repairs. My chair was almost broken and was wobbling the whole time. The walls by our table were dirty and both the table and chairs were chipped. In sum, there are plenty of better places to get a steak. Try Wolfgangs or Smith and Wollensky. Those places are solid.
(2)
Steve M.
Came in for the first time on 3/1/14 around 430 or so (traveled from Philadelphia ) because I had heard about the place through my reading of NY mob history. I sat at the bar to eat and the bartender was very personable( forget his name). I ordered the Caesar salad to start, which was drenched in dressing and the taste was very average, about the same quality as a chain restaurant . I was going to order the filet , but the bartender talked me into trying the sirloin , since that is what Sparks is apparently known for. The sirloin was pretty good and I was happy with the quality and portion size for the money. I enjoyed the atmosphere of the place and will definetly return during my next trip to try another cut of meat.
(3)
Eater N.
Excellent at every level!!!
(5)
Jon S.
The steak here is amazing as were the sides and desserts. I tried both the filet and sirloin, they are awesome. Ranks among the best in NYC. Ive seen reviews below knocking this place for price and even for their fish. To those I say: 1) Going to a fancy NYC steakhouse and complaining about spending $100/head is moronic. They all cost this much so it shouldn't be a surprise. When people are looking at yelp reviews for a steakhouse they know its expensive, all they want to know is how damn good the steak is! 2) If you want fish go to a seafood restaurant. Sparks is an old school steakhouse, get the steak. Its a great restaurant, food is bomb.
(5)
Carina P.
Great service... even better food!!! I have been here twice with years in between and both times were excellent. They make you feel like they had seen you just yesterday. Love it!
(4)
B M.
Interior/Exterior = 8.3 Food = 8.9 Beverage = 8.9 Service = 9.0 Food is above "great". Worthy of multiple visits. $$$$ ( scale $ - $$$$ ). Go for the 30 years old Macallan at the bar - do it right.
(5)
Jim B.
For 20+ years, this has been one of my favorite places in NYC, partly for the mob history, partly for the food, and very much for the 'experience' of dining here. That last part is now more clearly visible to me that it ever was. Last night we took our daughter and future son-in-law and a couple of their friends for what we expected to be a rare treat. The history is still there, and the food was, for the most part, all that I would expect. But the experience of dining at Sparks at the moment is nothing like it was. As you may have read, they are having a bit of a labor relations issue, and their service staff is on strike. If walking past the picketers out front bothers you, you won't want to go. (It didn't bother me much, though my wife said afterwards that if it had been just the two of us, and not a promised 'special event,' she would have turned around to go elsewhere.) But the bigger issue is that the service in the restaurant these days is decidedly mediocre. They have hired a bunch of well meaning but inexperienced kids who try their darndest, but simply don't have the capacity to deliver the level of service that I've always known at Sparks. In fact, what they mostly managed to accomplish was to make me appreciate more fully what a skill is it to make it seem so utterly effortless to wait on a demanding table of six, respond to requests quickly, and most of all, anticipate issues even before they come up. I don't know anything about the grievances in the strike. Sparks seems to think that their current wait staff can be replaced with hires off the street. And maybe they can. Let's check in again in about six months. Maybe the current crop of newbies will have developed the skills required. Or maybe the company will realize that they have undervalued the skill of the staff that is currently out front protesting. Time will tell, and it will be most interesting to watch. Meanwhile, my advice would be to arrange your 'special events' somewhere else. PS - one more thing: I don't know whether the kitchen staff was affected by the strike. I thought not, but two of us ended up with steaks that were not cooked as ordered, which quite surprised me. Under normal circumstances, I would have sent at least one of them back to be done properly, but frankly, it was hard enough to keep the water glasses filled last night so I felt it wasn't going to be worth the effort. In principle, though, when dropping $1,000 in an evening, I'm inclined to expect better.
(2)
Liz B.
This review is only for the food as the the wait staff and service was wonderful. We ordered two glasses of cabernet which were so awful, we had to send them back. The wine tasted like the bottle had been left open for weeks. Vinegar, anyone? After looking over the menu, my boyfriend and I decided on sliced steak, sliced steak with onions and peppers, and a side of hash brown potatoes. The food came out in under 15 minutes, which was great, but the entrees, not so much. The sliced steak that I ordered was basically just as the name says, but DRENCHED in bordelaise. Although the steak was cooked to temperature, the sauce was overpowering--it tasted like I was snacking on bouillon cubes, and it ruined the dish. My boyfriend's steak with onions and peppers was a little better than mine but it was mediocre at best. I will say though, that the hash brown potatoes were delicious. That being said, our meal at Sparks was very underwhelming and disappointing. The food tasted like something I would expect from Applebee's, not reputable steakhouse, and it certainly did not warrant the high price that we paid. We should have just gone to Wolfgang's instead.
(1)
Debra E.
Steak lovers, A+ restaurant right here. Came here last night after Derby Day at Mad 46 with a group of 10-15. (Lucky waiter)! I had requested surf & turf it wasn't on the menu but they were able to make the the exception. Steak + Lobster seriously the best of both worlds and my stomach was satisfied. The steak was a little fatty but it gave it flavor. The girl across from me also had a filet and her was very rare and had it sent back. The lobster tails were seasoned in garlic and herbs. I'm a plain Jane when it comes to lobster. Serve it to me hot and get me a side of hot melted butter. Got to try the cheesecake, I recommend it. Service: A+ Price: Well for $10 of us.. we're talking about $100 a head. Filet was $49, 3lb lobster was $69 (they crack it for you)! Ambience: Think.. Texas in the 1920's
(4)
Lawrence J.
By far and without a doubt the best steak house in NY. Nuf said.
(5)
GQ S.
i posted one via open table so dont know if it'll load onto here, but just want to make sure this is known. the original staff is currently on strike at the place. if i had known earlier, i definitely wouldn't not have made the reservation to go. and of course, the food and service is reflected by this. our server was inexperience, even pouring wine on one of my guests. their appetizers were not like how it was before, taste is lacking...and the steak, as we all order the prime sirloin lacks the juiciness and flavor that i was so use to at sparks...the sides were bland,...none of us finish our steaks...just tough and dry...not even cooked to our request...i took my wife here as it was her first time and Sparks was my favorite steak restaurant in the city...i would give this place one more try WHEN their strike is over as i've had very good steaks here before...
(1)
Andrew W.
I have been to this restaurant multiple times & I rank it as the preeminent Steakhouse in NYC. I have been to all of them; Lugers, BLT, American Cut, Striphouse, etc., but Sparks is the Gold Standard of NYC Steakhouses. In my opinion, this is the best overall restaurant in New York City.
Great food. Old time type of service. Place with good old NYC character
(4)
Ari A.
Maybe I'm not a beef connoisseur, maybe I don't appreciate a meal where I can emulate Al Pacino for a night, and toss a cigar in my mouth and cackle the night away, or maybe I just wasn't as impressed as the description of "the best steak you'll ever have." Sparks is quite the place for a night out, but just be prepared for what you are about to get into. The atmosphere is a bit stuffy, with starched white linens, men in jackets, peculiar wall paper, and carts being rolled around everywhere. With that being said, there was nothing about my food per se which disappointed, but Sparks didn't live up to expectations and I personally didn't feel I fit in with the crowd. If there's a next time, I'm ordered the Prime Sirloin Steak, which was stupendous, but if there isn't a next time, I won't be crying.
(3)
RW W.
Host give awful terrible service , waited 20 minutes to be seated in a non crowded restaurant.
(1)
Jerry C.
My absolute favorite steakhouse: not just for New York City, but anywhere in the world. 45 years ago, my wife and I had our wedding dinner and reception at Bern's Steakhouse in Tampa, and two months ago hosted a dinner at Bern's for 20 high school classmates. I give Sparks Steakhouse the full five stars over my four for Bern's for the following reasons: while the steaks at Bern's are excellent, Sparks' steaks are every bit as good. Secondly, the decor: Sparks wins hands down ... the lighting, the paintings, non-claustrophobic feeling, while Bern's has the claustrophobic feel of an aging Bordello. Thirdly, I find the management and wait staff at Sparks Steakhouse friendlier and more professional than Bern's. Fourthly, the wine list: while no restaurant can beat Bern's for shear size and selection, I gotta give the nod to Sparks Steakhouse for better value and is perfectly adequate for total range and depth for any wine you could want to complement your dinner. Sparks' wine list is probably the best value wine list in New York City. Finally, did I mention the lobster? The lobster is the best and freshest you will find anywhere: and meticulously taken out of shell table-side and returned to shell before being placed on shell for a beautiful presentation. My wife and I shared a Caesar salad (delicious), we shared a four pound lobster (just yum!), and shared a small filet mignon (Sparks cooked my half medium rare and my wife's well). We had a great Cakebread Napa Chardonnay for our lobster, and a fabulous Chimney Rock Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon to go with our steak. All delicious. For Dessert my wife and I shared a Tartufo. My wife and I shared every dish and Sparks gracefully delivered exactly what we ordered. Given that our seating for dinner came during a most stressful and trying time for Sparks Steakhouse management (a potential strike / walkout in progress and union organizers intimidating customers upon their arrival at the restaurant), they delivered under extraordinary duress, for these they truly deserve every one of their five stars.
(5)
David M.
Its all about the steak, wine and phenomenal service. Our favorite steakhouse. We visit this classic restaurant every NYC trip. Wife, daughter, son and I dined here to celebrate our daughter's college graduation. The wine list is extensive and fairly priced. The steaks were cooked to perfection.
(5)
Machado L.
I am glad we visited Sparks. It was the last day of our trip to NYC. Sirloin was as it might be!! Excellent!!!
T J.
So much history here. How often can you visit a place where the mob conducted business over awesome food. My guest ordered the pork-chop which was perfectly prepared. I had the Steak Fromage with Roquefort cheese. Also cooked to perfection with just the right amount of crisp. Do not leave until you order the potatoes WELL DONE.
(4)Varun G.
The medium steak was Completly burnt. Adding to that's we were a group of 6 friends celebrating a friends farewell and they got us 4 steaks Completely burnt. Extremely disappointed.
(1)Brian K.
We dined at Sparks on a busy Saturday night in October to celebrate a special occasion. Sparks is truly an old-school steak house. From the decor to the quality meats. Our waiter and the restaurant's wine list were both phenomenal. A bottle of Malbec paired nicely with the tender beef medallions. We got an appetizer of a Caesar salad which the waiter had split for us in the kitchen without having to ask. The creamed spinach and the veggies are served family style. We were too full for dessert. This restaurant came highly recommended and did not disappoint.
(5)Barb C.
I have heard of Sparks and always thought it was just a tourist trap... I was so wrong! This was one of the most phenominal steaks I have ever had - and I can't wait to go back! Sparks is definitely and old school institution - nothing fancy about it, and very 1970's kind of feel, but here it is all about the food - and I can see why. The berries romanoff was perfect after a heavy steak, fresh, light and just the right amount of sweetness. I have never given 5 stars but Sparks would have 6 from me if that was an option!
(5)S. D.
I am not really sure how to rate Sparks because of the different experiences I have had. I have been there numerous times and some times I have had a really great steak that I would rate 5 stars. Other times the steaks were average and one time the steaks were way undercooked for the entire table (almost raw on the inside). So, I am going to average out the experiences and give the steaks four stars. The cheesecake is great, probably one of the best cheesecakes that I have ever had. The wine list on the menu is reasonably priced and they also have the real wine list with a better selection if you request it. The service has also stepped up a lot over the past few years. Ten years ago, Sparks was packed every night with customers as there weren't as many top tier steakhouses back then so the service was super snooty. The front of the house would completely ignore us even though we were standing right in front of him. Now as competition has increased and the place isn't as popular the front of the house is actually friendly and so are the waiters. Complete 180 in service. On a final note, order the sirloin, that is their signature cut. The other steaks are just ok.
(4)Alex E.
Classic steak house, good service, great cuts of beef.
(4)Marla G.
I'm not too familiar with the top class of NYC steakhouses, but apparently this is part of that elite group. I was pleased, but not super impressed. I thought the ambience and environment was very nice. It's a very clean, crisp, classy looking place. It was mostly a professional crowd coming after work to enjoy a big steak and a glass of wine. The staff is outstanding-the host made sure we were seated right away (we had a reservation), and our waiter was extremely attentive and catering to our needs. The steak was good-I enjoyed it, but I won't say it's the best steak I've had. Also, I'm not used to a la carte, so I wasn't a fan of paying $8 for some sides. However, if you can afford to go here, I'd go, just maybe not that often.
(3)jerrys k.
Hello everybody, I have no idea why people are attracted to this place just for the simple fact that Big Paulie was murdered OUTSIDE and about 50 feet from the door!! Get it, he never made it inside, just a few turncoats were waiting INSIDE for him, unfortunately he never made it inside to taste the wonderful medium rare steak he was probably going to eat. Yes the place has great steaks, mobsters know where the good places are and make no mistake, Sparks is it!! So please let the man rest in peace, wouldnt you say he had enough already, Jesus!! , he didnt even eat before her got whacked
(4)sunee w.
This place has been on my list to review for a while! All I can say is YUM!!! My friend wanted to eat good steak in NY, so my friend recommended this place to us. We were here on a weeknight and we still had to wait close to an hour to be seated, even with reservations. But it was all worth it. The restaurant has an old classic feel to it and quoting my friend 'it's a man's steakhouse!' During the wait, we started out night at the bar ordering many vodka diet sprites. I ordered the beef medalion with lobster. My friend ordered the filet mignon. OMG...when I got my steak, it was the biggest piece of steer on a plate that I've ever seen. Both of our steaks were cooked to perfection, aged impeccably. It was one of the best steaks I've had in my life! Even my lobster tail was flavorful and cooked very well. I barely made a dent in my steak after the lobster (and the leftover steak I took home fed me for 4 days straight afterward!) Our server was wonderful, making cute comments to us trying to get us to order more. Even telling me not to worry about my 'girlish figure' and it's ok to order desert. So cute! He definitely deserved his huge tip! For those of you who love steak and want a real steak house, this is the place to go. Just make sure you get there 1 hr before you want to eat, even if you have reservations.
(5)tina z.
Love sparks! My second favorite steak house after del friscos. In comparison, Sparks is not as modern in dcor, not as extensive in its choices of wine, but it is quintessential New York old school charm. You feel like a total class act chowing down amongst Wall Street big boys. Here are some pointers. - Starve yourself, go to the gym, or do whatever it may take before comming here if you are counting calories...but please do not order anything but a nice cut of beef here. They discriminate against frou frou new age, veggie eating types here by making everything else on the menu totally mediocre. - Dress the part. Save your Jeans and t-shirt or any other Staten Island uniforms for Smith and Wollensky. Don't blame the servers for being snobbish. I didn't order my steak with a side of loud Brooklyn accent next to me. It's not everyone's cup of tea, but thank god for Outback. - I don't have to say this, because once you see it on the menu, you won't be able to resist anyway. Get the maple-glazed bacon. - If you really want to do it right. The best bargain for wine is the Insignia by Joseph Phelps . I believe it was only 20 dollars over its retail price.
(5)Deborah S.
Our fun started in the bar with LV--a rugged New Yorker if there ever was one. My colleague kept asking for shit we could not have or do: appetizers in the bar--can we sit at this table? LV was like, "Hey Mr. Questions I Say No To, sit down and have a drink at the bar--I will toss you an olive." I had the best Grey Goose martini ever and then went for the wine. Dinner was fantastic--we ordered a bunch of salads and shared--there was 6 of us and the service was stellar. I of course ordered the Prime Sirloin Steak medium rare and could not have been happier. This place is quintessential New York. If you love good drinks and meat, go to Sparks.
(4)krs m.
Very good steaks, but a long wait despite a reservation. Excellent service, attentive but not pushy, with no exclamations of "excellent choice" when you order. The decor is forgettable though the tables are large and well spaced and the chairs are very comfortable. Ask to see the top-end wine list just to let your eyes bulge out at the astronomical prices. The main reason for the 3 star rating is the tables full of Wall-Streeters, swilling magnums of Lafitte and Petrus and wandering around the restaurant shouting into cell phones to show how important they are. Too bad there were no tables of Mafiosi that night to quiet them down.
(3)Vik K.
Despite the underwhelming ambiance (old-school gilded age style with the scent of dusty linen and sweaty men), the food and service delivers in spades. I had a sirloin steak and 3.5lb lobster for two, along with a tomato salad and broccoli. The lobster was superb, deshelled immediately prior to serving by a skilled server with drawn butter. Being a lobster aficionado, I immediately noticed that it was steamed first then finished in the oven and properly presented (split in half with knuckle meat removed and claws completely cracked). The tomato salad, consisting of the heirloom variety, was especially well done for a steakhouse. The steak was tender, not overcharred (unlike Peter Luger) and full of flavor. Broccoli was not the freshest, but after all we are at a steakhouse on the east coast. Surf and turf of top notch quality along with competent and professional service.
(5)Cindy B.
Business dinner here. Service started out slow, a little inattentive but ended up well... Tables were a little close together but the atmosphere was lively enough (noisy, but in a good way) that we were still able to talk shop without feeling like everyone was listening. Had oysters & shrimp cocktail for apps. Not sure how a shrimp cocktail can be THAT good, but it was..... Oysters were huge. Think everyone had the filet, I did mine "fromage" (it is listed as steak fromage but you can have any cut you want). They brought a cheese platters & chocolates for free for dessert.... Maybe because we spent mega bucks on a 1970 Brunelo (totally worth it). Think it is the place to go for the history, though I don't know that much about it......
(4)Mike F.
I give out way too many four star reviews. Probably because I do a little bit of research before going to a place. I don't like to waste money or time on the mundane. And folks, Sparks is definitely not mundane. The food, the decor, and the blood splattered sidewalk get my heart going. It's nice when someone else is paying too.
(4)J W.
Not bad. Old school steakhouse feel. Interesting history. Steak was good as expected from a classic nyc chop house. The old lady that spilled red wine on took a little bit away from my dining experience. Decent place, but I'd probably only go back if it's on a company expense account.
(3)Anwar A.
OK STOP!!!! THIS PLACE IS NOT 5 stars!!! I don't want to sound like I'm bashing the out of towners but lets not mix the "coolness factor" with the taste and quality of the meal. I do agree that its a good place for business dinners because of the atmosphere. Personally, this is on par with Gallagher's, Ruth's Chris and Morton's of the world which I consider more of the assembly line steak houses and definitely not 5 stars. And c'mon people, whats with getting flavorless filet's at a steakhouse? Filet is the steakman's safe bet at non-steakhouses. Get the damn porterhouse or ribeye for crying out loud. And whats with the well done? I like my steak just how I like my women...dark on the outside yet tender, pink n moist on the inside ;) So what if Paul Castellano was wacked by Sammy the Bull in front of the place in 19 friggin 85??? If the food ain't that good, it ain't that good!
(3)J V.
Highly recommended! Sparks has history, a great upscale classy atmosphere, excellent service and delicious food. Their steak is thick, juicy, tender, and delightfully tasty. I was not the least bit disappointed, and I can't wait to come back! Really makes for a romantic, special evening. Great for business dinners too. My favorites: the shrimp cocktail appetizer, and filet mignon with spinach. Yum!!
(5)Jeff C.
Didn't a mobster get shot outside? I digress. I found the steaks to be thick and meaty but not amazing. I have had better @ KnickerBocker & Frankie & Johnnie's. The best part of the meal were the desserts. Be sure to inquire about them.
(3)John C.
If you are going to be a steakhouse you must have a NY Strip Steak and a Ribeye on the menu. Sirloin is an inferior cut of meat that is much cheaper. It's not as good as Peter Lugar's, or Kean's.
(3)Eli Z.
One of my favorite restaurants in the world. Everything is done with precision and everything tastes perfect. Waiters are all highly trained with the wines and always seem to make perfect recommendations. A downside is the bathrooms, which don't represent the quality of the food, but I don't go to an expensive steak dinner and judge the place based on the head. Check it out, you will not be dissapointed.
(5)Pat W.
Basic steakhouse. Mediocre food the high price they charge.
(2)Mehdi M.
Outstanding steaks and wine menu, but decor is aged, as is the attitude of the maitre d'. There are so many Manhattan steak houses that are absolutely superb that this one isn't worth visiting any more, despite the food.
(3)Ryan H.
he setting is legendary Sparks Steakhouse in Manhattan on 46th St in Midtown. But I wasn't there on a power business dinner. No I was there with my wife. I'm amazed at the flexibility the place offers. It was obvious that many there were negotiating business deals. However we were seated in a cozy alcove with a great view of the dining room with the privacy of a romantic dinner. My expectations when dining out are extremely high. Sparks offered to quench my thirst of a big steak. The steaks were, in fact, big. So were the prices. $44.95 gets you the filet. But at 16 oz. it seems appropriate as a $24 8 oz steak at a fine establishment is a bargain. The wine list was extensive and even the menus were HUGE. I can't explain in measurments because I didn't have a yard stick with me. We were able to snag a bottle of La Tour Haut Brion Bordeaux for around $100 (92-94 rated at about a 100% markup). The steak was cooked perfectly to my specification which is now in between medium rare and medium, but more to the rare. And finally we finished it off with a 20 year tawny port and a slice of the cheesecake. A meal fit for a king. I recommend going next time you're in the City.
(4)Joseph K.
The best steakhouses don't pussyfoot around - they make you feel like a True Man - like a hunter, like you should be drinking scotch on the rocks and closing off vital business deals with razor-sharp precision, dusting off your competitors sans remorse and celebrating by sharpening your silverware and downing a bloody cut of meat without thinking twice about consequence or the future. There's old-school steakhouse and new-school steakhouse and Sparks decidedly qualifies as the former, from the maple oak wood paneling to the bow-tied waiters, it's in the same category as Smith & Wollensky's and Peter Luger; in other words, it's a steakhouse made for the old money clientele. So let's get down to the nitty gritty. The Ceasar offered no surprises and pulled no punches, and for 12 bucks this isn't acceptable - give me some zip, some zing, not just a few sad croutons covered in yesterday's Parmesan. The broiled shrimp appetizer registered better with me - plump, juicy, not too heavy. Then the steak. Ordered the Prime Sirloin and requested it to be cooked medium. It arrived closer to medium-well. Less juice and less redness than I'd have preferred, but an above average steak by any quantifiable degree. Perfectly charred on the outside with that fatty tinge of sweetness permeating the inside - precisely the flavor you'd like to achieve in a forty-two dollar piece of meat. The side of hash browns was the biggest loser of the night - just way too dry due to the insane overcooking of the potatoes. Maybe if they added some olive oil or more butter... Dessert: Tartuffo, berries, whipped cream cheesecake. No "wow" factor here either, but a welcome respite from all that meat anyway. So yeah, I can forgive Sparks for pretty much effing everything up on the periphery of the meat - and delivering the goods where it matters the most. Also, good wine choices - we got something something something Bordeaux and it delivered with a workmanlike performance.
(3)Laura W.
This is my favorite steak house in New York. It has the best service and wine list. And the food is amazing and 5 star.
(5)Alyson P. H.
RIP SPARKS (NO STARS) Sparks used to be great. But it seems like the shootings and staff lawsuits have taken a toll on the establishment as it's now a complete den of disfunction. I made a reservation 2 weeks in advance for my husband's birthday. They confirmed the date and time and I never thought twice about it. The night of our reservation we showed up for dinner to find the doors locked and the place closed. Needless to say we were furious. What decent NYC restaurant will make a reservation on a night they're closed?! When I called the next day the managers could not have been more rude or unhelpful. The only thing they were concerned with was the date and time I called to make the reservation and the closest thing I got to an apology was "I hear you." I WILL NEVER RETURN TO THIS RESTAURANT. If the staff is this completely incompetent making a simple reservation, there is no way I'd trust the food there. My husband and I went around the corner to Palm Too and had an INCREDIBLE dinner complimented by an amazing, super accommodating staff. RIP Sparks. You're officially dead to us.
(1)Fanta B.
Quite possibly the best steak in NY, and considering it's high price I was expecting tiny portions (doesn't it always seem that way at nice places). But the portions were huge. $40-50 is a lot to drop on a steak for most people, but this is worth it. Just don't get fooled: this isn't the best steak in the country. You haven't really had steak until you have eaten it in the midwest, the beef capital of the world.
(4)Alain L.
This place is truly old school and gives the sense, and appearance, of being more of a men's club than anything else. Aside from that, the drinks are well made and the steaks are prepared to perfection. I recommend the sirloin. Let me also add that the service is top-notch, as it should be for what your paying, right? Perfect place to celebrate a major occasion, whether business or personal. Let me also add that, although I had liquor with my dinner, their wine list is fantastically extensive.
(5)dave m.
My first night in New York i had to go to Sparks steak house. I had to eat where Paul Castellano used to eat. If you dont know, then you just dont know. ;) (google it) This place has a feel to it, have you seen good fellas? This place was jammed packed on a monday night. It was the after work crowd i guess, lots of people standing at the bar waiting for their table to be called or watching the basketball game. Not really what i expected, i was hoping to walk into a quiet place with some good guys eatting some steaks in the corner and drinking some wine. I walked all around and saw none of it. The menu has 1 page of entrees, and 3 pages of wine listings. I think the cheapest meal you can order is about $35 and its probably the fish. I had the sliced fillet with mushrooms, turned out to be an excellent choice. The waiter did this changing the table cloth trick without taking our glasses off the table, it was pretty cool i thought. I guess i do learn something new every day. I just wish i was a littler hungier before i went to sparks. Damn those hotdog stands in nyc i just had to get one just before dinner. lol
(4)Roshan V.
More like 4.5 stars. Probably one of the top 5 steaks I've ever had. Not the best, but very very close. Unfortunately, I went on the 3rd night of my New York trip, after having eaten steak the first 2 nights. My Twitter message after eating at Sparks? "Here comes the meat sweats!" I had reservations on a Saturday night. We arrived on time, and the host, who seemed very hurried, ordered us to the bar to have a drink for 15 minutes. He wasn't rude, per se, just very New York, and it came off as kind of amusing. Pretty much everyone coming through the door was told to wait at the bar for "15 minutes". Was there a need for reservations? It reminded me of the Seinfeld episode with the rental car agency: "You see, you know how to take the reservation, you just don't know how to HOLD the reservation. And that's really the most important part of the reservation, the holding. Anybody can just take them." So we waited at the bar and watch the UCLA/Kansas game, drinking our drinks. We didn't have to wait long before we got our table. The place was a lot bigger than I imagined it would be, but the lighting and setup didn't make it seem like a giant mess-hall. Our waiter was really nice, and he could totally tell we weren't locals. We ordered the sirloin, the filet, side of hash browns, side of creamed spinach, and a caesars salad. In retrospect, this was a ridiculous amount of food. The salad was amazing - it was a fancy schmancy salad with greens that you had to cut; this was a normal American caesars salad. My sirloin was ginormous...definitely enough for two if you're not a fatty. The creamed spinach was kinda eh...tasted bland to me. The potatoes were really good. Both side dishes were a lot of food. The table near us was filled with 6 men in suits who kind of looked like the traditional bankers from the Washington Mutual commercials. The other table near us had a couple sitting there where the guy seemed to know everyone that worked there and had a really loud voice - he reminded me of Alec Baldwin (like, this guy might have been able to give the coffee is for closers speech if he were really angry). At one point in the middle of their appetizers, the couple just got up and left but left all of their stuff there. My gf commented that she thought they left to go have sex in the bathroom...and if he came back with a smile on his face, and her hair was messed up, then it had to be true...sure enough, 10 minutes later he came back with a huge smile, and she came back to her seat fixing her hair. WTF? If that's what you get for bringing someone here, then 5 stars by all means. Needless to say, watching the other diners made it an amusing night. We also finished with the cheesecake, which was ok. It only came with one strawberry and didn't have a graham cracker crust :( Overall this was a really great place that I would recommend to anyone who likes steak. You'll get the full steakhouse experience, and the food is great. I personally don't like giant portions, but I have some friends that do (cough Carol L cough) so you definitely get your monies worth.
(4)Tom B.
I have been to Sparks many times and the steak never fails to melt in your mouth. This is the benchmark that I measure all other restaurants. Great service, incredible wine list and perfect cuts of meat. I have never experienced the problems some of the bad reviews mentioned.
(5)Paul A.
Decent Steak house and in most smaller cities would get an automatic 5 stars, but this is NYC and that being said, It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. For me, it's one and done and now I can say I've been there. Strip House is still the best to me and Sparks like so many other steak houses in Nyc just seem the same. The service was alright, not the greatest and the food was good, not great just good. Wouldn't tell you not to go, but would say to not expect it to be anywhere near the best.
(3)Pree R.
Sparks or Luger's? I'm actually in the minority among my friends -- they swear by Sparks while I'm more a fan of Luger. But I wont argue that Sparks is clearly one of the best steakhouses in the city. More consistently good than Lugar's but never as great. The oysters are brilliant in addition to just about any cut of mouthwatering steak and sides that even a vegetarian can enjoy. Can't say I love the decor, but the place has history. And really, it's about the meat here anyways.
(4)Susan G.
Wanted to check this place out for my husbands bday. We went to a Knicks game so we made a reservation for 10p. We got to the restaurant around 10:15 and were completely rushed by wait staff. On top of that the steaks were tough and chewy and the baked potato was a joke. Take your money to Lugers or the Strip House.
(2)Dan B.
One of Manhattan's best known steak houses lives up to its reputation in many ways and in other ways, gives wiffs of the word, "overrated." Good service, full bar, giant and juicy pieces of steaks, and mouth watering side dishes. The tomato and mozzerella I had to start was fantastic. Overpriced, but fantastic. The filet mignon was cooked well on the inside, but I felt the outside was a little bit burnt for my taste. The creamed spinach and potatoes were awesome. We also had a pecan pie ala mode which of course was good, but honestly I have had better at Costco. It's a high end steakhouse where you can expect great taste, but I have honestly had better. I think I enjoyed it so much because for me, it was a free meal :) I think they can do a little better on the prices.
(3)douglas B.
Its been a good 12 hours since i have eaten at sparks and I am pretty sure i am still full. Walking in I felt like i was going to old rich white man heaven. My friend remarked that this was the most girls he had ever seen in the place ( there were 5 counting the 2 we were with) The wine list is fantastic we went for a zin over a cab and it was so freaking good. The whole experience was top notch, not a place if you are watching your wallet thats for sure but if you want to take a break from making it rain and eat a steak instead, a damn good steak..this is your place.
(4)Dieu C.
My first fine dining experience in New York was here, so being the n00b I was then, I was quite intimidated upon setting foot into this lavish restaurant. ALL of the male patrons were wearing suits and the women wore dressed very business-like. I felt all eyes on me as I stepped in wearing a bright green peacoat. How uncomfortable. Haha. My friends and I were walked in, so we had to wait 20 minutes for seating. In the meantime, we got our coat checked and waited. Once seated, our friendly and attentive waiter told us the daily specials, which we opted out on because we had no idea what he was saying. We ordered filet mignon, halibut, and ribeye. They all tasted good, but nothing too memorable besides the steak getting cold very fast. I appreciated how they never voluntarily gave us the bill until we specifically asked. I found that very nice because we didn't have to feel rushed after we finished our meal and were chatting away. Indeed, it was a pricey meal, yet another pleasant experience. Would I come back again? Nah. I rather go to Ruth's Chris. :)
(3)Tim M.
I loved this place, and better yet, I took clients who are also friends where my company paid the bill!!! With wine about $1,600 for 6 of us, but like I say great food does not have to be fancy or expensive. So we had our own table in the corner, and acted up as we did for we were drinking lots, and the steaks (good enough) and atmosphere (festive but not loud) along with the service (very very good) were done just right where we were in our own world. Initially we were thinking of going over to Peter Lugar's or Bobby Van's but decided on this classic and have to say I will be back as hands down the best option for steak here (sometimes it has to be more than just the food). NYC has lots to chose from, and there is reason this place has been around so long. Did not see any mob bosses, but hedge fund managers were there for sure. A true guy's guys place and a fun experience for sure.
(4)Paul Q.
I thought this was going to be one of these old school places that's past its prime. I was wrong. Spark's definitely has an old NY feel but the food is still terrific. The steak was mouth watering good. The hash browns were excellent also. Great bartender out front too. The post renovation dining room is huge compared to how it used to look. It's a little loud, the decor is a little tacky and the service is a little "gruff" but it's all part of the charm.
(4)sam s.
Great bartenders, excellent wait-staff, biblical wine list, and superb steaks: nothing out of the ordinary for a top-notch steak house, but in Manhattan, this truly is as good as it gets. Old world feel with 19th century oil paintings covering the walls, and the intriguing history of the place (a Mafia shooting) only add to the ambience. Try the bloody mary. Try the wedge salad. Tasty.
(4)Kurt S.
This is a tough review, but I have to go with my gut. For the supposedly best steak house in NYC, I wasn't all that impressed. 3/5 stars because I have to hold it to such a high standard... but make no mistake, I'd totally go back again. The good: The food, obviously, is good - par for the course of an expensive a la carte steak house. My sirloin wasn't the best I've ever had, but it was the biggest, so I guess that's something! HUGE wine list. (least expensive bottles were $40, most expensive bottle was over $1,700 if I recall... ) My party had a 7pm reservation on a Friday and the place was still half empty, so we were seated immediately. The bad: Only 2 cuts of steak available - sirloin or filet. While it was delicious all around, I was expecting to pass out in ecstasy upon the first bite... and I didn't. I even called an ambulance in advance to be ready... what a waste! I enjoyed the steak at Ruth's Chris (in FL anyway, haven't tried the NYC location) better... more juicy, tasty, and more choice in cuts if you prefer something else (ribeye, t-bone, etc). The nitpicky: Holy god, what is with the menus? The huge wine list is nice, but not when I have to hold a giant billboard in my lap while I'm trying to decide on the food! Everyone in my part was awkwardly wondering what to do with them while we were waiting to place our order.
(3)Frank M.
A classic steakhouse. Excellent steak, but also great seafood. Lobster is prepared perfectly. Service is top notch.
(5)Kelly D.
This place is for work meetings and lunches. They have not changed their decor since it was built I think, and this is kind of their niche. A good old fashion meat and potato steak place. Every time I come here for work the steak is consistent and the fish is buttery and yummy. There are many other places in the city for steak so it's hard to really say that this place offers something unique. If you are looking for a quality place, Luger's or Wolf gangs blows this away because there is definitely a difference in the quality and flavor of the meat. But if you are looking for a standby in midtown that you don't mind dealing with obnoxious investment banker types in prissy polished wingtips and half wit middle of no where tourists slopping down all the well done cow with A1 they can shovel into their face then give it a try. Again nothing creative but solid none the less and huge I mean huge portions.
(3)Anthony B.
Sparks Steak House in NYC is everything you would ever want in a steak house. This is the best steak I have ever eaten and I have been to a lot of steak houses. It just melts in your mouth. The environment is very upbeat and the service is awesome. The prices are high and you will probably have to wait....but it's all worth it in the end. I can't wait to go back to Sparks.
(5)angela g.
Yum!!! not the best, but def super good. i wish there as more of a selection of cuts. the service was good, the wine list is INCREDIBLY long. for me the excitement was the self changing toilet seat! hahaha
(4)Nikki E.
I had a pretty crappy experience here. We came here for lunch, and I was hoping to order off of the lunch menu that I had seen online earlier that morning. When I asked for the lunch menu I was told that it was only available during the summer. The website states that it is available from Monday through Friday, without any sort of seasonal limitations. We wouldn't have come! I thought that was kind of deceiving. I had wanted to order a salad with sliced steak (which had been featured on the lunch menu). Anyway, there was no such option on the regular menu. So I had to order a steak for $47.95 and a separate salad. The side salad consisted of the equivalent of bagged romaine lettuce and two pieces of tomato. The rolls were stale. The service was okay, but I had to ask them to refill my water three times. For these prices I feel they should have been a bit more attentive. I HIGHLY recommend Del Frisco's for lunch - it beats out this place by a mile. Sparks is dated and way too pricey. The steak was all right, but nothing to write home about -- it wasn't prepared properly at first so I had to send it back. This place is way past its prime.
(2)Brett M.
Filet mignon on an epic scale, a guy whose name was probably "Knuckles" working the front and leering at the women in our party, paneling so dark and intriguing that you feel anything could be happening in the corners and you wouldn't know it (but you would want to). In a word: BRILLIANT! I've had some incredible steaks in my life and this was one of the very best! Solid sides, good desserts, excellent wine, and more testosterone than a men's locker room. How can you go wrong?? Enjoy it for what it is... Disneyland for mobsters, the ninth ring of Hell for cows, and a cardiologist's wet dream. You will leave incredibly content and wondering if you will ever need to eat again.
(5)Anna Y.
I saw about half a dozen men cupping their dates' butts while I was waiting for my table. I also saw a lot of suits silently competing to see who would order the strongest drink. I was half expecting them to have an impromptu arm wrestling match, with sylvester stallone as the surprise celebrity judge. People were not exaggerating when they said Sparks was a straight up MAN place. But oh holy god, the food there is GOOD. The boyfriend and I started with oysters. They were very fresh and just the right amount of briny. I had filet mignon and brocooli, the boyfriend had the prime something something with asparagus sauteed in butter. Both steaks were cooked perfectly medium rare and the boyfriend's steak was slightly crispy on the outside. SO GOOD! I love steak so. Service was okay - polite and quick, but nothing extraordinary. You know what was extraordinary was the wait for our table. We had a reservation for 8:00 and checked in with the maitre d' at 7:40 but didn't get seated until 8:45. I checked in with him at 8:00 and again at 8:30. At 8:45, I was ready to eat my hand and the boyfriend's hand. This time, the maitre d' (who incidentally looked a lot like Fredo in "The Godfather")blatantly stared at my tiny boobies while telling me our table was getting set and would be ready in a few minutes. Then he gave me a smarmy smile. Under normal circumstances, I would've brought out the bitchness, but I was hungry as hell so I just chalked that one up as taking one for the team. Rabid hunger makes me do weird things. I love this place, sheisty maitre d's and all.
(4)YJ H.
Thanks to a loaded cousin of my wife, who happens to LOVE steaks, we had many chances to visit fine steak houses in NYC while we lived in NJ. Sparks of course was one of them. We visited during a week day without a reservation, and a party of 6 was seated promptly. We ordered some oysters and shrimps for appetizers, which were pretty good, and then proceeded to order our carnivorous menu of sirloins, filet mignons and a 4 lbs lobster. Let me first tell you about the 4 lbs lobster. I had my shares of lobsters and the 4 pounder from Sparks wasn't even pushing 3 lbs. Of course I have no way of measuring it, but a 3 lbs I personally bought in a fish market in Maine could have crushed the Sparks 4 pounder with one of its claws tied behind. Needless to say there wasn't much lobster meat for all of us. As for the steaks, their specially aged meat tasted very good. Like most steak lovers, I like my steak medium-rare, and luckily the meat was cooked to my liking. It was tender and juicy. I like my steak seasoned with little salt and pepper, but I thought this one was little blend. I didn't like the side dishes of asparagus, potatoes and spinach, which we had to order separately. The atmosphere is very much old boys club setting. Many power-suits and 70:30 men to women ratio. Would I go here if I had to pay out of my own pocket? Probably not. Would I go here if someone else paid. You betcha! Bon Appetit!
(4)Alfonso E.
OUTSTANDING steak house. The best I've ever ever ever been to (and I've spent my own and my employers' fair share of $$ on premiere steak establishments). This one tops them ALL. Definitely got some old-world masculine vibe in it, but wouldn't you expect that to be part of the charm in an unabashed meat-serving establishment? Hey, that masculinity was even more palpable back in the day when NYC still tolerated smoking in restaurants (and some boys lit up the fatties). The superb quality of their meat is their cornerstone, so I like to keep my order choices simple. You probably won't experience a finer filet mignon in many other places on earth. But if you want over the top, give in to the steak fromage... steak topped with roquefort. Jeeezus unreal.
(5)Justin L.
This may have been the best steak I've ever had. There was 4 people in our party, everyone ordered something different and it was all pretty awesome. Granted, I don't eat alot of $100 steaks like some people apparently do, but for a regular guy like me, it was great. Service was really good. Expensive, but it might just be worth it.
(5)asako h.
a friend's coworker raved about the dry-aged sirloin so we had to try... and we were not disappointed. the appetizer was delicious and the steak was perfectly medium rare (unlike most steak houses where they cook it to medium when you request medium rare). the wait staff was also surprisingly accommodating: my friend and i were running a little late but they held our table for an extra 30 min. very strange/lucky since it seemed like other people were complaining because they had to wait even tho they had reservations and showed up on time. Appetizer: Lump Crabmeat Cocktail (good) Entree: Prime Sirloin Steak (very good) Sides: Broccoli and Creamed Spinach (good but typical, i guess?) sides were definitely overpriced (~$10 for broccoli) but i guess you need something next to your steak. steak was also a bit pricey (~$45?) but definitely well worth it.... i cant wait till i go back!
(4)Gina L.
Overpriced, outdated, not memorable... In a good way! Steak was burnt. Go to Del Friscos!
(2)Ken T.
Following advices I gather from yelp, I ordered the prime sirloin steak. Maybe my expectation was too high, but I was not impressed at all. The meat was decent, but was way over cooked. I asked for medium, instead I got medium well. Actually, it was more like well done. I was tempted to send it back, but was afraid of the consequence due to the restaurant's rumored mob association. So, I ate it anyway... Our waiter was courteous, but a little inexperienced. I had to ask for water in two separate occasions, and he left an empty beer bottle on the table through our meal. This was just not acceptable in a $$$$ restaurant. And after he gave us the bill, he did not return for what seemed like eternity. It reminded me of the 20/80 rule - 20% of people doing 80% of the work. Our poor waiter seemed a bit over-worked, while the others were just standing around talking among themselves. Maybe he was on the bottom of the hierarchy? I would never know. Anyway, we paid cash. As the minute went by and feeling abandoned, we were tempted to pull out his tips from the black bill folder. But again, we decided that was not a good idea, in case it would offend the wrong people. Overall, Food = 3 stars Service = 2 stars Ambience = 5 stars
(2)Audrey J.
Don't mistake the dark paneling, knowledgeable waiters, and the Mafia feel. This place is indeed "one of those places." It feels very old-boys, but that's part of its charm. The meat is just damn good. No mincing words; it's delicious. I had a gigantic filet mignon, which was the size of my head. The dessert was delectable, too. After that huge steak (with plenty of mouth-wateringly perfect sides like creamed spinach and asparagus -- definitely worth the extra cash), I had a strawberry Romanoff, which was strawberries with a cream that was oh so wonderful. Let's just say Sparks made me an offer I couldn't refuse. Ahhhhh...
(5)Jen L.
Best filet mignon I ever had. I like everything about this place. I love the old-school/mafia like atmosphere. And the food was just so good and tasty and juicy, including the sides (think: creamed spinach) and apps (we basically had every app and all were good). I don't generally like filet mignon (I am much more of a ribeye gal) but I had to try the filet here since they are known for it. The service was also great. My only disappointment is that I did not get to order dessert. This is one of the top steakhouses in NYC. There is so much tradition/stories with the NY gangster/shooting and it makes it more fun to be there. This is such a guys type place but as a girl, I really appreciated the whole dining experience.
(5)Jamie P.
Good location, famous for it's history with the Italian mafia but not a great steak selection so I had the lobster and shrimp, which was unbelivably delicious. Good ambiance and great service. The spinach is so good- it's a must if you go there.
(4)Ryan B.
I now remember why I stopped going to Sparks. You can get better steak at almost every other steakhouse in NYC and can be insulted by your waiter anywhere. I mean seriously, if you ask if they have any special cuts not on the menu is the waiter's response suppose to be, "Have you ever eaten here before." And then when you ask for some steak sauce (really to give their signature sirloin some taste and make it a little less tough) should you be asked again, "Have you ever eaten here before." The only thing that was good about our meal was the wine and the company...I would expect more from a 4-person meal costing more than $600...avoid Sparks at all costs...but that's just my two cents...if i could have given it less than one star i would!
(1)CJ C.
The sirloin is apparently the signature dish here, as they pushed it almost to the point that I would bet the servers get a kickback for each one sold (not uncommon practice in the restaurant business). In fact they were somewhat annoyed when I ordered something else. The apps were good, great wine list, but for a Friday night at 8 pm the place was half empty, and I can see why now.
(2)Jen P.
i enjoyed my steak immensely, but i must admit it was a tad salty. but it was free. and after 3 glasses of wine, pretty much anything tastes amazing. i had the sirloin steak, the spinach salad, a bunch of sides and then about 3 lbs of cheesecake, ice cream, whipped cream and fruit. would it scare you if i told you i feel just fine? like barely full? yeah, it scares me too...
(4)Jeff B.
The food is 5 stars all the way, but the atmosphere is one of my least favorite of the top NYC steakhouses.
(4)Debbie W.
I liked but i didnt love. I really had high hopes as the person who recommended it described it as the best steakhouse in the city. The steak was very unwhelming. I did like the atmosphere which was a little softer than a typical steakhouse.
(3)Jeff C.
Decent steak house with wet (not dry) aged beef. Short on your regular varieties of steaks except sirloin and Filet. Otherwise, the decor is excellent, service professional, the food is good from the best sirloin I've ever had, to the tasty side dishes and the great desserts. Wine, even the cheapest is excellent. Overall, an excellent experience. But where is my favorite ribeye???
(4)Jon W.
Heaven. Best tasting filets. The service has been stellar for special events. This is on the brink of being my favorite place in NYC.
(5)Chi L. M.
A fairly unique place. The people who worked there are funny and friendly. The menu is huge (physically)! The steak was very well done, cooked to perfection, though with room for improvement. Other food items are ok. I cannot recall anything which was particularly memorable. But it was a good experience.
(4)Michelle Q.
Based on service alone, Sparks deserves five stars. Our two waiters were top-notch professionals. My bf and I had an excellent dinner. I made rsv's for a late dinner on a Saturday night. When we arrived it was a full house, we even witnessed a cute tipsy mother walking out the door in the care of her husband and daughter - must been a celebration! Upon arriving, the maitre 'd had us sit at the bar for a few minutes. Then we were escorted to one of the dining rooms to the right. The restaurant is huge; I think there are two dining rooms and a private room. Our main waiter greeted us very warmly and he superbly took care of us the whole night. For apps, I had a fresh and chilled lump crabmeat cocktail, and my bf had fresh mozz and tomato. I read that the sirloin is a must so I suggested my bf to have that. Aside from the sirloin and filet mignon, there aren't any other cuts offered on the menu. Kind of a let down since my fave is rib eye. I ordered the Beef Scaloppini, thick slices of filet mignon with bordelaise (sp?) sauce topped with mushrooms and peppers. And we shared an order of hash browns. Then, our generous waiter brought us creamed spinach and grilled onions. Wow, that was so sweet of him. I immediately thanked him and my bf said some pleasantries in Albanian. Out of the three sides we had, none were great and most were left untouched except for the onions. Both of the steaks were huge, my bf's was perfect to temperature and moist. My filet was a little overcooked but all the sauce it was smothered in made it better. About 2/3's into the steaks we were stuffed and had to stop. I swear the button of my pants were about to pop off. The 2nd waiter meticulously changed our tablecloth after we were done, and I was watching him so closely it made him and I giggle. Absolutely full, and not interested in dessert, we asked for the bill. Ohhmyyygoodness, the waiter comes out with a huge plate flourished with two beautifully decorated desserts. I took in a quick inhale then deep exhale and went in. The delicious soft vanilla ice cream, fresh fruits, and amazing chocolate cake had my bf and I cursing heaven - really ourselves or the waiter - bc we're going to hell for gluttony. We were running on a schedule, that's why we weren't going to have dessert in the 1st place, but that didn't matter anymore. I looked at my bf with my heavy eyelids - I was feeling high and frisky from the food overload. It was a great dinner with outstanding service.
(4)nicole g.
Great steaks, great atmosphere. I feel like I stepped into Old Hollywood everytime I go in there. The history at Sparks is undeniable and its fun to learn about. You do feel like a part of history when your eating in there. Definately check it out- I cant imagine you wouldnt have a good time!
(4)Marc S.
Close your eyes, dream fillet Minot, asparagus salad, try a 3-5 pound lobster and a stiff drink and trhow yourself back in time....truly the best steak house in Manhattan, old school values. A sure bet!
(5)Robert T.
My family and I ate here for the first time in May of this year, and we have been back 4 times since (I should preface this with the fact that we live in Maryland). Slowly but surely we are checking off steakhouses in NYC (so far: Peter Luger's, Delmonico's, Ben and Jack's, Keens, and BLT steak). I am partial to Peter Luger's because of the heavy dry aged flavor but a very close second is Sparks. The decor is a bit outdated and blase in appearance, but the food, service and overall experience is exceptional. Their signature steak is superb and always cooked to perfection, RARE with a delicate sear on each side. The meat is 'melt in the mouth' tender. We usually get a 3 pound lobster that my wife and kids devour as if lobster were being outlawed the following day. It is fresh but a bit chewy for my taste. The potatoes with the side of hollandaise sauce are extraordinary. Crispy, perfectly charred potatoes with a creamy, rich sauce that is a light but well balance blend of egg and tangy lemon. On our last visit, I had the lamb chops which again were superb. Lightly seasoned and cooked to my liking, allowing the ever so slight gaminess of the meat to take center stage. When we come to Sparks, we are treated like regulars (which I technically think we are)...Mr. Abdou and the staff are abundantly pleasant and dote over my daughters, including the occasional kitchen tour. Having said that, I realize I sound like a rube dazzled by the glitz of the big city; however, the fact is that the food is excellent, the service outstanding, and that we are treated so well certainly strikes a chord with us.
(5)Alan N.
Sparks is right at the top of the high end steakhouses in the city. the concierge is great and accommodating and will hook you up if you are there for a bachelor party. great scotch selection, steak and sides are all top notch. Have nothing bad to say about this place.
(5)Rick H.
The best damn steak I've had anywhere in the country. Nothing beats these steaks. Sides are another thing. Good, but the emphasis (as it should be at a STEAKhouse) is the meat.
(4)D Y.
great steaks.
(4)Shar B.
Took the hub here as a surprise dinner for our recent anniversary. The meal was wonderful - we both enjoyed absolutely scrumptious filet mignon. Truthfully, I almost got bullied by those reviews that say "sirloin is their specialty, you MUST order the sirloin!" but I confessed my filet-love to a friend earlier that day who sent me a pro-filet pep talk via email ("Don't be a lemming! Get what you want. I find sirloin grisly & prefer filet too... every cut there will be good")... I'm so thankful I took her advice & stuck to the cut I know I love because it was tres yummy. For our sides, we order asparagus & a baked potato. Our waiter split those onto 2 plates without being asked to, nice! We finished our meal w/ fresh berries & some divinely awesome chocolate chip ice cream; these were also thankfully split in half by our waiter without our requesting. Our waiter was accommodating without trying to buddy-up to us too much. As some reviews state, the staff does keep a certain distance but it is purely out of professionalism - they just don't want to be in the diners' way, it's all about the FOOD. And despite the initial seemingly-aloof demeanor, our waiter proved to be warm & friendly - dishing out a few clever quips & offering to take our picture once he spotted our camera. Contrary to some reviews I've read, you don't have to be dressed to the nines or spend tons of money here to be treated well - we were dressed nicely but casually, we didn't order any appetizers, lob$ter or alcoholic drinks (would've gotten wine had I not been preggo) & yet we felt we were treated quite well. Perhaps they lay on the service more if you do dish out the cash but we were NOT slighted because we just ordered the basics (& let's face it, even if you order just the basic steaks, sides & soda here, you are dishing out some cash!). Atmosphere is actually what you'd expect from a plush comfortable steakhouse - lots of dark wood, well maintained. Overall, a delicious & pampering meal! The only reason I'm giving it only 4 stars is because I've only dined there once; I might increase if I my 2nd time here is just as amazing.
(4)Han P.
One word: PERFECT. My favorite steak place of all time, and I always get the same thing - filet mignon, medium-rare. They must have a magic oven/grill/broiler because the steak always come out exactly the way I like it. Perfect layer of char and seasoning on both sides, followed by a tiny layer of browned steak, then followed by warm pink to a red center. Most amazing is that flavor of the cut stays through all the layers. I've never been there when the restaurant has been less than 95% full for the past 10 years on any given night. What that tells you is that regardless of the economy, this is where New Yorkers go for good steak. We always get the same two sides as well: mushroom caps and hashbrowns. Both are awesome and complement the perfect steaks versus paying $10 for a simple baked potato or plate of cooked unseasoned vegetables that other steakhouses will offer as their sides. As others pointed out, they have an amazing wine list. I won't lie... this place will break your bank so make sure it's a special occasion or a dinner to impress clients who are visiting. 9/10 times, my clients, colleagues, and friends who get the fortunate experience of Sparks visit will leave saying, "This is the best steak I've ever eaten!"
(5)Ryan G.
I was taken here for my birthday dinner and it was really good. It was a little noisy, but the food was so, so good. The steak was amazing and the cheescake with a little candle on it was even better.
(4)Aki A.
I consider this the best steak I've ever eaten in the New York City (boroughs included). I no longer eat beef, but I can still say that this place knew how to cook it. They also have a pretty awesome wine selection and the staff there is super nice and very knowledgeable and helpful. I've been to most of the other big steak houses in the city and they're all quite good, but none can really compare to this place. It's pretty large, but you don't realize that when you're sitting down. From what I recall their dessert wine list is decent, but their Scotch list is impressive. So if you're like me, you'll enjoy watching everyone eat their fancy shamncy chocolate cakes while you sip on some hard-to-find Scotch. I don't miss beef one bit. But if I had to pick a place to come back to eat it. This could easily be it.
(5)Stephanie B.
Incredible fresh oysters on the half-shell. Absolutely odorless, smooth, soft with only a twinge of sea-tasting brine. Steaks, phenomenal. Sides, excellent. The wait staff are superb and really pay attention to the small things and read the table's body language and non-verbal cues about good service. This only occurred to me after leaving, how terrific the waiter is in that way. I was there with six men, all of them work for me. Without ever making any of us uncomfortable, the waiter treated me as a lady with grace and charm, but somehow recognized the authority I had and knew to ask me about all the table joint decisions. The cheesecake is also wonderful. Dense without being too rich and heavy, still airy with a golden brown baked top sans cracks or creases and the slightest note of citrus... beautiful.
(4)Kelly T.
Amazing service and steaks. Of course, expensive, but worth every tasty morsel that went into my mouth. This reminds me of an old steakhouse with mature male wait staff. Very basic foods, but quality and simply prepared. Excellent experience.
(5)JL S.
sparks in midtown is great. if I am in the mood, and its about steak, Id rather just go here.
(5)John R.
this is my favorite steakhouse in nyc. hands down. the steaks are outstanding, portions are huge, sides are all good, service is exceptional.
(5)Sarah T.
Gangster stories aside, this place is delicious. I had a NY Strip steak w/ Roquefort cheese on top. I definitely recommend it. I also saw loads of 3lb+ lobsters being carted to the many tables of bankers. (i think the male to female ratio in this place is 9:1.) they looked delicious.
(5)Marcus P.
Sparks Steak House is a classic steak restaurant with an old-world New York feel. Once a hangout for the cities mafia, Sparks was made infamous when John Gotti had Paul Castellano whacked right out the front door. Since then I don't know if anyone else has met their maker at this New York landmark, but I'm sure some large checks have shocked more than one patron into a heart stopping episode. None from open gunfire though. The restaurant still portrays that character of a time passed-from the classic paintings that cover all the walls, to place settings, lighting, and of course the macho (which some women would probably describe as "chauvinistic") attitude expressed throughout, especially by members of the staff. While the food portion of the menu is straightforward and to the point, with a handful of excellent steak options as well as a mix of fish and lobster, the wine list definitely takes priority filling three of the four elongated pages. The wines available are classics for pairing with steak, including an emphasis on California cabernets and French Bordeaux. But these wines also run on the expensive side so if you're looking to save a little money from the pricey entrees I recommend going for an alternative red varietal or something outside of California and France. Almost every wine offered is an excellent selection so you can't go wrong no matter what you choose. Of course there are white wines available, which make a great pre dinner option to pair with an appetizer of oysters or melon and proschiutto, but most everyone comes to Sparks for the famous steaks, so you'll find that red wine is definitely king here!
(3)Matthew D.
Nothing special in terms of the menu or its execution, and service poor.
(2)Martin M.
Definitely overrated and living on reputation. Yes, it has a nice macho atmosphere and is ok for a boys night out, but the food is merely adequate. Nuff said
(2)Ali L.
Power lunches, power dinners, power drinking, and most importantly, power eating. This place is scary it's so good. Steak isn't really my thing, but Sparks made it my thing whether I wanted it or not. (Maybe that's why the mafia likes it) Great food, unbelievable wine selection, and impeccable service. Go here when you're feeling (very) flush or when a wealthy relative comes into town.
(5)LG L.
sparks is the bomb. serious contender for best steak in NYC. plus, there was a mob hit right outside the front door in the 80s or 90s. can't beat that. i've been here multiple times, had the strip multiple times (excellent) and the filet. highly recommended.
(5)John W.
Whenever I read the reviews on a place I like, and consider "among the Best", I always feel like I'm having to defend my taste. You know, you scroll down, lots of 3-stars (fine, but for a place you figure has to be at least a 4)...the occasional near-blan thumbs-down ("NEVAR AGAIN!"-types, they're everywhere!)...and thats how I am about Sparks. By all accounts, this is the best steakhouse in Manhattan, barring debates about the Johnny-come-latelies. And I feel it deserves this reputation. Sparks serves truly wonderful steak: steak so good you don't feel rooked for having spent $40 on it. The sides? Think I mighta tried 'em, I've heard the creamed spinache is tasty. Other entrees? I dunno, I've seen people order the giant lobsters. Lighter eaters sometimes brave the fish choices (which, I'll admit, are reportadly excellent). The cocktails are big and meaty. Oddly, the ice cream here is the best ice cream I've ever tasted. Seriously, try it. But remember what you came for: a big, perfect steak. No, not the filet (ok, ok, I'm sure the filet is wonderful) -- the sirloin, or whatever they call it. THE steak. Come here, wear a suit, ask to sit in the Mafia Table if you're feeling frisky. Steak. Creamed spinach, perhaps. Cocktail, or wine. Vanilla ice-cream. And wear a suit -- it helps. Enjoy.
(5)Kyle M.
The steaks here are simply unbelievable--tender, flavorful, and enormous--but remember not to eat so much that there's no room for dessert. Expect to spend at least $100 (and possible much more) for two, not including drinks.
(5)james l.
seared? try burnt. not bad though.
(3)Annie T.
The steaks just aren't what they use to be anymore. It tastes like rubber with a truckload of salt. But the staff is attentive and the atmosphere is delightful.
(2)Mariana L.
Yes, you've heard of this one in many a NY gangster story. Don't let that distract you from the damn good steaks and fine old-world service.
(4)Rahi Y.
Over sized steaks, not very attractive wine list, boaring decore and atmospher these are that I have to say first. But steak was cooked OK mushroom heads and asparaguswere nice. I am not recomend this place to ather friendsfrom SF.
(2)Gary D.
I had heard this was the best steak house in the city when I decided to give it a try. Another reason I wanted to give it a try is because I had heard it was a famous mafia hang out and also the place where John Gotti had had Paul Castellano killed. So I made reservations for 8:00 PM with my co-worker Dave. We arrived 15 minutes early. The place was packed so we struggled up to the hostess and mentioned our reservation. We did not get seated until almost 8:45. We noticed people slipping the maitre'd cash and getting seated ahead of us... go figure. When we were finally seated, we were at a table where the wallpaper was peeling off the walls. The waiter all but ignored us. We had to get another waiter to bring us bread and water. I ordered a large ribeye. When it finally arrived, it came with nothing else on the plate. That is a D- for presentation. The meat was tough and not overly flavorful. I had expected more from a place with such a rich history and reputation. Oddly, I would go back again just because of the mafia fascination. But for a good steak, stick with Ruth's Chris.
(2)T D.
Very New York with the steaks on their carts. Well executed steaks and fabulous wine.
(4)Cesar G.
That place is huge, Good atmosphere. I had the Filet Mignon, asked for it Medium and it came out more on the Medium well side which kinda dissapointed me. The small tomato wedge salad and baked potato were delicious. Id have to try out the other steak houses in the area before i can say its the best place but this place was the bomb!
(4)Saw T.
After reviewing a pretty terrible steakhouse that I ate at recently, I found myself reminiscing about Sparks. Since I no longer live in NYC, I don't get a chance to eat here much, but it's hands-down my favorite steakhouse anywhere and I've been to them all. Yes, even better than Peter Luger's as sacrilegious as that may sound. As the site of many birthday dinners or pretty much any occasion, I've probably been there at least 20 times over the years and it never disappoints. I think what's so remarkable about Sparks is its consistency. I've had some great visits to other places like Smith & Wollensky's, but also some pretty mediocre ones. Pretty much all of the starters, especially the shellfish, rock. If you're with a large group, especially if you're eating on someone else's dime, make sure to get one of the gigantic seafood platters. Or you could always go a la carte. The oysters are not to be missed - some of the freshest in the city. The jumbo shrimp cocktail and baked clams are also excellent. For entrees, Sparks is known for the sirloin, and that's pretty much what I always get. It's always perfectly cooked to order - medium rare - and has a tasty salt crust. As at other really great steakhouses, the steak requires no steak sauce or bernaise because the meat quality is just that good. All of the appetizers are really good, but my favorites are the asparagus, creamed spinach, hash browns and mushroom caps. If you somehow have a room for dessert, the cheesecake is excellent. As for the ambiance, the place definitely has an old boy's club feel. There aren't a ton of women here. The waiters are very old school. On occasion, even with reservations, I've had to wait for close to 30 minutes to get seated. I think it might be necessary to slip the Maitre 'd some $ to speed up the process.
(5)David C.
your classic steak house with all the stuffy people and suits as far as the eye can see. been here many times only because my best friend loves this place and i like it also but the overall atmosphere for me is a bit tooo stuffy for me however the service there is top notch and they treat u like kings. with that being said, i prefer angelo and maxie's on park ave. had dinner there last night with 2 friends and we started out by ordering and sharing appetizers. we had the baked clams which were very good, the shrimp cocktail which were nice sized but very slightly overcooked but always a winner and i think a caesars salad. my two friend both ordered the sirloin which was very good and i had a lobster which was the size of a freaking new born baby! the claws were the size of my hands! and the tail was tremendous. we has the hash as a side and the creamed spinach which was a bit bland and tooooo watery. overall a good place to take a client to but not a date in my opinion.
(4)ali l.
every time my dad comes to town, this is our first stop. the wine list is excellent, and the waiters are always very helpful and friendly, we always end up chatting with them all night. but of course the main attraction is the excellent food - i usually get the filet mignon, which is so good, plus i always have half of it to take home for the next day. the creamed spinach is a great side dish too, and we usually split the tartuffo for dessert. last time i tried the wild salmon (to mix it up) and it was amazing. i highly recommend this place.
(5)Scott S.
Incredible experience! Went to dinner this past weekend while in the city visiting my brother. Knowing the history of the restaurant I'd always wanted to check the place out. After wading through the protesters out front I wasn't too optimistic going in. We had a drink at the bar while we waited for our table. The bartender (Trevor I think?) was great, he really should be a comedian! He recommended drinks and entrees and sights to see while we're in the city. Exceedingly helpful (and hilarious!). The food was outstanding too. I had the steak fromage and my partner had the Chilean Sea Bass. Overall an outstanding experience! I give it two snaps up in a circle! Big recommend!
(5)Edward R.
The food, service and ambiance of this restaurant is what NYC brings to the reataurant industry. The service was impeccable. Our steaks were expertly prepared. The Vodka Gimlet I has (2) were expertly created. I cannot wait to return. Thanks for a great experience.
(5)Tim N.
Excellent restaurant. Delicious food, very quick and professional service, and such a classy place. Will definitely be back again. Only reason I'm leaving 4 stars is because of the protest going on out front-but I'm sure this will all be resolved soon.
(4)Scott W.
I have been here twice. Once with my wife for my birthday and once with a group of friends. The steaks were fantastic both times, though better the first time i was there. I was more impressed with the cocktails the first time I was here with my wife, but they were still good the 2nd time. Service was great both times. I would have given 5 starts if it wasn't for the slight inconsistencies in the food and drink. Don't get me wrong this place is on my list of favorite steak houses in the city but I will be going back to Keens or Peter Lugar's before I go back here.
(4)Stephanie C.
If I were only reviewing the actual food and the service prior to being sat, this place would get a 5. No doubt. However, the moment we got our table, we experienced the worst service. Getting a reservation was no problem, which was great as my husband and I called the day before. We try to eat at nice steakhouses in every city we visit, so this was next up on the list in NYC. We rarely get away without kids and a nice evening with fine wine and great filets was eagerly anticipated. We arrived and were told there would be a couple minutes' wait, so we grabbed a drink at the bar. The bartender recommended an excellent pinot noir for me and my husband said his cocktail was mixed to perfection. Within 2-3 min, our table was ready so our bar tab was switched over and my drink carried to my table for me. So far, Sparks, you're doing pretty well. We were sat and quickly greeted by a server (not ours) who brought us water, delicious rolls with butter, and menus. This is where the restaurant quickly flew downhill. We look over our menus and make selections... still no greeting from our server. We chat a bit, finish our rolls, finish most of our drinks... still no greeting from our server. The restaurant is not crowded, there are many empty tables, and the servers do not seem too busy or overwhelmed. Yet, we are still not greeted. Finally, our server appears without so much as a "Hello," "How are you doing tonight?", or even an introduction. The first words out of his mouth are "Do you have any questions?" Umm... hello to you, too. Since we had plenty of time prior to that to make our decisions, we place our entire order from appetizer to main course and he disappears without another word. The appetizer seems to take a while to arrive but that could be forgiven, as it wasn't an extraordinarily long wait. During this time, though, we were never even brought another roll or checked up on-- we just sat there with empty waters and empty bread plates, waiting for food. Finally, our appetizer arrived and was placed by our server without much ado. It was delicious (warm lump crab meat and scallops... buttery heaven) and was devoured. Then, another wait began. Now, I understand that a large steak takes time to cook-- I'm okay with that. During that wait, though, we could at least have our server come by. The other server (who was waiting on tables nearby) brought us more water when our glasses were empty, but still no one offered another roll or even asked if we were doing alright. My wine glass was long since emptied and our server walked by many times without as much as a glance. Finally, dinner arrived. My husband got the fromage steak and I got a trusty filet mignon. It was enormous (far too large for any normal person to eat by themselves, but I'm not complaining), tender, and had a great flavor. A 5-star steak, for sure. The sides (asparagus and hash browns) were also good. As we cut into our steaks and ate our meal, our server again ignored us. Not once did he check to ensure that the food was cooked properly or that we needed anything else. We flagged him down at one point to ask for another glass of wine for me, but that was brought without another word. When we finally finished our meals, our plates were pushed aside and sat unattended for probably 15 min before the other server came to clear the table. During this time, our server waited on a handful of others around us but never once even cast a glance in our direction. After the plates were cleared, we sat. And sat. And sat. With a completely cleared, empty table. Another 10 minutes pass and the other server asks if we would like a dessert menu. No, thank you... we had decided to go elsewhere for dessert as this had been by FAR the worst service we'd ever experienced. My husband, who rarely has the chance to take his wife out for dinner, kept apologizing to me for the experience. During this time, our server walks past our table 4 times without looking at us once. It was honestly getting humorous, and we began to wonder if we were being filmed or something... surely this can't be the standard of service at this restaurant. Finally, 25 min later (yes, we kept track), our server appears and tries to hand us dessert menus, which we decline. He instantly walks away without a word, presumably to get our check. Nope. After he walks past twice more, I call out and ask for our check. He doesn't even acknowledge me. A different server sees this happen and talks to him- the check is brought. We pay, the receipt is signed, and nothing else is said to us. Honestly, I would have been appalled by this sub-par service if I were dining at a mall-adjacent Chili's. To pay $250+ for dinner and be ignored? Absolutely unacceptable. I'm not sure why we were treated this way but I will NEVER dine here again. The food is wonderful, but not at the cost of being treated like a second-class citizen for no reason. Sparks, you could have been our NYC go-to. What a shame.
(1)Manny H.
Great steak, will return soon!!
(4)Ili V.
Amazing steaks! Old school place and really friendly staff. Pricy though (50+$ for a steak without the sides.)
(5)Samuel M.
Unfavorable steakhouse. There are many better options in the neighborhood. The service was mediocre. The steak was dry. Worst restaurant experience ever. Shun. Evade.
(1)Azi N.
We had a work event here and I was so thoroughly disappointed with the food. On our menu was the option to order a filet mignon, and I ordered mine medium and it came overcooked. I sent it back and about 30 mins later it came back rare. Unbelievable that a steak house can't get the meat temperature right. On top of that, for the last hour or so of our event, there was no waiter around to replenish our water glasses. So disappointed. And so glad it was not on my dime. Never coming back
(1)Gary G.
I was excited to revisit Sparks after a 15 year hiatus, my last visit was fantastic and it was during the prime.of this restaurant's existence. Unfortunately, when I arrived I was confronted with a picket line and striking waitstaff. After being heckled, I asked if my friend and I could eat at the bar and watch the Nicks game, we were told, "no". We were hurried to a table in a near empty restaurant. The staff was not trained and fresh on the job from the work stoppage. The whole situation was unfortunate. I ordered a NY Strip, medium, it was under cooked. The steamed broccoli was over cooked. In general, the food was a big plate of blah. I won't be returning to Sparks.
(2)Patrick W.
Had to try at least once, obviously the landmark site of Paul Castellano's death. I think people flock here for that and the fact that it's that old money finance type of hang-out. Went for a friend's bachelor dinner. The home fries were tasty, the bufala mozzarella was decent, nothing to write home about. Not bad but I've had better from Iavarone Bros. and many other restaurants. The prime sirloin steak is their signature dish. It didn't blow my socks off but nonetheless, very satisfying and surprisingly tender. I don't think you'll be disappointed with a meal here but I think there's definitely many better places you can spend this amount of money at.
(3)Jv's M.
It's nice and cozy great environment. The service was awesome no complication with the reservation. Everything was delicious and so yummy this is a place for steak lovers. And the appetizers are great
(5)Kevin Jiseup K.
Wow oh WOW. This place needs some attention because... wait maybe it doesn't because I'm pretty sure it's owned by the Mafia and people were shot in that restaurant. Or so I was told by the team of Italian waiters who had clearly just moved from Italy the day before... or just had amazing Italian accents. So as you can probably guess, I found the atmosphere pretty captivating. They also have a bajillion paintings on their wooden walls. This entire time the restaurant was screaming, "Godfather movie scene." Either way. This steak house is a dime. All the finance people come over after their long days work for drinks at the bar and some steak. But on to the food... Had the Prime sirloin and my friend at the filet mignon. Got a bunch of sides including the hash and the mushrooms. Everything was a little salty but definitely fantastic. The steak was literally melting in my mouth. Dayum. However, this place is ridiculously pricey. But you probably expected that. Hey, it's Manhattan and... it's a steak house.
(5)Victoria S.
The steak wasn't that good. It was a medium-rare cooked filet mignon on my plate. I didn't like how it looked when I was cutting it. It didn't look appealing and didn't stimulate my appetite. It was thick but it lacked flavour, zing and bang. The only bangin' thing about this place is the story behind it. The fresh strawberry bowl with whipped creme for dessert brought my spirits back up because I strongly believe they make their own whipped creme. It was well-balanced and didn't taste artificial at all. The restaurant still remains a popular eatery and has a unique place in New York Mafia history. But, not the best steakhouse in NYC in my book.
(3)Baramee C.
I was super excited for steak. I was super excited for this place. And granted the food was good, but... Food: scallop & crab meat app - absolutely the best appetizer EVER! filet mignon - wasn't cut with a butter knife tender and the outside was seared a little much (charred-flavored) creamed spinach - wasn't bad, but not amazing - would probably order again asparagus - you can't just go wrong with steak house asparagus! sparks sirloin special steak - this is the way to go!
(3)Enrique D.
Had a beautiful dinner with fiancé and her dad. Prime rib steak was the best ive had in Manhattan. Cooked perfectly, mash potato amd asparagus ( yeah yeah standard crap) but the beef - DELICIOUS. Wine selection is excellent. Service superb. Three steaks with sides and couple bottles of wine (ill update when i remember the name of the wine) $500. Well worth it.
(4)T T.
Had a birthday celebration at Sparks last night with a party of 12 and it was fabulous (despite a work action outside which actually had the opposite effort for me as it gave the place an exciting party atmosphere). We had drinks at the bar first and we're giving plenty of time to chat and have a couple of rounds before being seated even though we passed the time of our reservation. I thought the drinks were generous too. We sat down and immediately had 2 extra folks join us due a change of plan and they graciously moved us to a larger table without hesitation. The food was delicious and the only suggestion I have is that the portions are very large so you should check with the waiter about sharing some things. The jumbo chilled shrimp and fresh crabmeat made a great table share appetizer and then we shared Filets and a 4.5 pound Lobster! With sides of spinach, asparagus, baked potatoes and fried onions and Napa Valley wine it was absolutely awesome. We're going back next week.
(5)John B.
Warm bay scallops/lump crab meat special but bay scallops not fresh maybe why they were warm..horrible for a restaurant of this calibre Steaks-- NY and Filet excellent Service very poor attitude as if they know better than patrons Will not come back
(3)Glenn C.
I was shocked to see Sparks with anything less than a 4-star rating! I don't know what could possibly be behind this....maybe all these low-rating yelpers are members of the Gambino family who are still upset over the famous hit out front. Hmm.... For those of you who aren't familiar with Sparks' history, allow me to give you the quick reader's digest version before I get into the restaurant proper. The evening of December 16th, 1985, Gambino crime family boss Paul Castellano and underboss Thomas Bilotti were gunned down right in front of the doors into the restaurant, literally under the awning. The murder was an unsanctioned hit by John Gotti who, although a member of the Gambino family like Castellano and Bilotti, was in the process of an attempted takeover, which culminated in the now infamous Sparks steakhouse murders. John Gotti watched the hits himself while sitting in a car across the street. It's a pretty cool bit of mob history that only serves to make Sparks an even more worthwhile visit. Of course, the steak has a rather large role to play as well. On that front, then: My first visit, I had the Delmonico, which was easily the best I've ever had. Prepared the traditional way, Sparks' Delmonicos are two ribeye hearts tied together with cooking twine; it's an amazing piece of beef that perfectly spans the flavor-texture gap. The porterhouse and strip are also phenomenal cuts as well. You'll also find all the other usual steakhouse menu mainstays: filet, beef medalions, lamb and veal chops, sea bass, snapper, tuna, salmon, swordfish, and of course, lobster. The salads are another area in which Sparks excels. Their caesar salad leaves all other I've-had-this-1,000-times-before versions in the dust: it's made table side, the lettuce and parmesan are beyond fresh, and it all just works. The beefsteak tomato and wedge salads are exceptional, too. Definitely don't skip the salad course when you visit Sparks. As for the non-salad appetizers, the oyster selection is strong, and the lump crabmeat cocktail is incredible. Sparks also has easily some of the best smoked salmon you'll ever taste- order some for the whole table to indulge in. As for sides (which like all modern steakhouses are served family style), the mushroom caps, asparagus, and sautéed onions all make for great steak partners. Do yourself a favor and order a potato for the table: baked, mashed, or hash brown'd: they're all amazing. Desserts are standard fare, but, as with the rest of the menu, all done well. You're in NYC- why not have a piece of cheesecake? No review of a steakhouse would be complete without at least touching on the wine list. Sparks just so happens to have one of the best in the city, along with two of it's finest sommeliers. My last visit, we ordered a '99 Barolo Camerano that paired beautifully with our steaks. I also had a 20 year tawny port with dessert that also impressed. Sparks is perfect when you're looking for a traditional steakhouse experience. Shrouded from head to toe in mahogany, leather, and baroque picture frames, this is a place to come and sit back, enjoy your meal, reminisce with friends and family over a bottle of wine, have a cigar afterwards, and tell all your coworkers about the next morning. This would be the perfect place for a bachelor party dinner. An absolute must-try, Sparks is among the best steakhouses I've ever been to (and I've been to a ton). Book a table as soon as possible.
(5)Daniel F.
"The establishment where Gambino crime family boss Paul Castellano and underboss Thomas Bilotti were gunned down near its entrance in 1985." The hit was ordered by John Gotti Restaurant made famous by murder!, now go murder me a cow. I felt that the staff was really friendly and attentive but the food was average. I feel Peter Lugers was a lot better and the food came out a lot faster. It might have been the size of our party (20 people) that made the food come out so slow. Of course about 90% of the guys ordered the prime sirloin steak ($46.95) and we all agreed it was not Medium Rare like we ordered when It came out. I like my steak bleeding out the middle!! Also It took about an hour for all of our food to come out after we finished our appetizers. Speaking of appetizers, here is what we ordered on our half of the table Appetizers: Lump Crab Meat and Bay Scallops : Lots of crab meat and scallops cooked to perfection. This was one of my favorite appetizers ($25.95) Combination of baked clams and Shrimp Scampi : Only 3 shrimps and it was dry but the baked clams were breaded whole. I really enjoyed the baked clams! ($22.95) Oysters on the half shell. Ginormous!!! These were mutated oysters, but I'm not going to complain. Mutated Oysters = More Meat. Mmmm ($17.95) Creamed Spinach ($10.95), had very little taste and felt like we were eating baby food. Did not enjoy at all. At the end of the night we were full, but with the history surrounding this restaurant, I felt a little disappointed with the meal as I had high expectations! I wasn't blown away like Paul Castellano or Thomas Bilotti.
(3)Jiho S.
Great classic steakhouse. Funny thing is they don't have that many steaks on the menu other than a sirloin and filet. I had the filet which seemed popular. Solid, although I felt it was more charred than I wanted. Lobster also seems popular here based on what I saw others ordering. Tomato and onions were disappointment for an app. I was hoping for large beefsteak tomatoes like you get at Luger's but they were much smaller and the onions were very thin. And I guess not everyone has steak sauce because when I asked he brought out a bottle of A-1! Shocker! Really not hard to get a table here. It's a large space and there are plenty of tables. I'd say 15% of them were empty on a Tuesday night.
(4)Khanh L.
Coat check, long wine list, career waiters, steak house. This place has a dizzying wine list, by the bottle, catered to your expense account... The steak here was just average, the sides and appetizers weren't all that either. It's on the pricey side, and the waiter's got a chip on his shoulder. Career waiters tend to be very passionate and professional or condescending asshole, you can guess which one we got after you read the next paragraph... We had some people who didn't really like steak nor did they really like to eat raw meat, so they ordered medium-well and got medium-rare. What's the point of asking a customer how you like your meat cooked and then ramming medium rare down their throats? out of 5 people I was the only one who ordered medium and got medium, everyone else got medium rare no matter what they ordered, I told my friends to send it back, but they didn't... Not so tender for aged meat, horrible place, the food is bland, expensive and a poor excuse to sell wine.
(2)Leeann C.
3.5 stars. Take this review w/ a grain of salt since I'm not a huge steak person, but I can enjoy a good steak once in a while. I came here w/ my bf for dinner and was already warned beforehand to not expect much in terms of the service -- after reading other Yelpers' reviews, I can say our experience was fairly consistent. We ordered the shrimp cocktail appetizer, prime sirloin, hash brown potatoes and mushroom caps. The steak was good, but could have used some barbecue sauce in my opinion. Overall, the food was decent, but not something to write home about. Maybe people go for the 'mobster' ambiance, but it's not my style. -L.
(3)Phuong P.
Came here on a weekday for dinner. I have never been more disappointed with a steakhouse. Came in and was barely noticed. The place has an old school decor but was empty so we didn't have to wait. Our waiter was an asshole the whole time. Worse than what you would get at Peter Luger's. He looked at us like we never had steak before or something and rushed us. I ordered the sirloin medium rare and my date ordered the Medallions of Beef and for sides, just went with the creamed spinach. My sirloin came out first and was overcooked. It was OK but I've definitely had better. The waiters switched and got our order messed up bringing out a filet when my date ordered the Medallions. He insisted that this was what we ordered and left the filet on the table and went back to the kitchen to only bring out the Medallions. He didn't even apologize and took back the filet which he should of just left because it was his fault. The Medallions of Beef were bland. Moving on to the creamed spinach which tasted horrible because we couldn't taste the cream and it had an intense and bitter onion flavor that just topped off the worst night. We obviously skipped desert because we weren't gonna give this place anymore of our hard earned money. Left the place wasting a lot of money and the worst experience ever at a steakhouse. Would never go back on my own free will.
(2)Janet B.
Love this place! The atmosphere is very classy, with a big wall of cigars in the back. It was a lot of groups of older gentlemen and a few tourists. The service was impeccable. We went as a big group, so we tried out several appetizers. Almost all of them were amazing except for the creamed spinach. Also the vegetables with the entree (e.g. sauteed mushrooms, potatoes, etc) were not great, so perhaps veggies aren't their forte. The shrimps and lump crab were fantastic. All the steaks were HUGE and absolutely delicious. The lamb chops were also great, tender and juicy. They did a butterfly cut, so it could be shared. They of course have an extensive wine list. The servers were incredibly attentive, and we really enjoyed our time there.
(4)Joe Joe B.
I'd say this is my favorite steak in New York. Old school New York steakhouse experience. Save some pennies and come here to pig out on great steak. The fillet is always perfect, and all the sides are solid. It's pricey but worth it for a special occasion.
(5)Reesie R.
This is a man's steakhouse. Okay, okay - just poking fun at the decor. Although it's priced like most of the major NYC steakhouse, I feel that you get very sizable steaks for the price. I actually couldn't finish my filet, which is a first. Don't expect any frills. The waiters are no-nonsense. The sides are basic. I had to add salt to my filet as it wasn't very flavorful. However, my boyfriend's prime sirloin had better flavor. Very good pecan and walnut pie. I think I need to check out other major steakhouses before I say I'm retuning.
(3)Jessica Y.
To be honest we went here because my brother wanted to eat where Paul Castellano was shot, call it participating in part of NY history. The portion size is massive I'll give you that, my filet mignon was 14oz! I guess that makes me feel better for paying $54 for a filet. However, if I'm paying for $54 I would like my service to match that. Service was sub par at best, waiters weren't very friendly and never around. Part of fine dining is to have exceptional service to match the food, clearly this was not the case. Would I go back again, most likely not, this place was a one and done.
(3)Prashant K.
Came here for a friends birthday a few months ago, and coming back for mine shortly. The steak here is my favorite, and I've been to most of the top steak houses in NY. The sides are good, the waiters are friendly, and the ambiance is perfect. I highly recommend this place for any steak lovers.
(5)Jeff G.
Sparks was highly recommended, and of course when in NYC, you gotta do the steak thing for a night. Was it good? Yes. Was it one of the absulute tops and living to its reputation? No. Crazy as it may seem, the best part was the bar. Suprise! Old school cocktails and older school bartenders. Loved it... Moving onto dinner, the steak was tasty. Ordered medium rare but it arrived medium to medium well. Also had a caesar salad. Good that they gave me the extra anchovies that I asked for but waaayy too much dressing and quite medeocre. After dinner, back to the bar! Not many bartenders offer to shake up the tequilia with some ice. Was part of a somewhat large party. Service was suprisingly good.
(3)Maya S.
Great service but overpriced decent wine list and average food (below average sides). Nothing was terrible, but for $150/person I would expect better than average!
(3)Dina D.
From the moment you are greeted by the host, you feel the classic, upscale feel of Sparks. The dark wood and large-framed Hudson River school landscape paintings on gold and burgundy walls evoke a time gone by. The bar has quite a hopping after work suit crowd. Clearly, it's still a place where the good old boys do business meals and deals. On my visit, I got a steakhouse classic, the sliced tomato and onion salad. For sides, we shared the creamed spinach and hash brown potatoes. I got a filet mignon. My friend got prime sirloin steak. For dessert, I got the house special, strawberry Romanoff, a special cream made with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream and Grand Marnier. My friend loved his steak and the sides. My steak and salad were good. The dessert wasn't as great as I'd hoped it would be by the sound of it. But I highly recommend Sparks as it is a great steakhouse with a classic New York atmosphere and good food.
(4)Sasha B.
I thought I'd been here before, but apparently not. I came here tonight with a client. The experience was similar to the other classic NY Steak establishments - see Keens or Peterlugers. All male wait staff, dressed in traditional white shirts, black pants. Great wine list. He recommended a great 2007 Stag's leap region Cab for just under $100 bottle, but it was amazing... The only draw back is they only offer 2 traditional cuts, neither being my favorites. They only offer filet and sirloin. I opted for the sirloin. It was very tasty, well prepared, but I do prefer a ribeye. I'd go back again.
(4)Jane H.
We bought dinner from groupon. It was a good price for good quality of food and good portion. we had: 12 lbs lobster - soooo fresh and taste so good filet mignon - medium rare, was cook perfectly creamed spinach - so so, not too crazy about it sauteed mushrooms - oh yummy since they have excellent wine selection, so we order a bottle of Jordan cabernet sauvignon 2007. fantastic for the price we paid. p.s. bartender and waiter were very friendly and service is good.
(4)Shar H.
You can still get a hearty meal at Sparks even if you don't eat red meat. I was there again with a friend this evening and still got a filling meal. I had their spinach salad which is HUGE (there was as much spinach as there is in one of those ready pak bags you get at the market). It was also finished nicely with sauteed mushroom slices and bacon bits. My friend had the sirloin steak, and I was impressed by the generous portion. I had a bite of my friend's baked potato as well. (The kitchen had even fluffed up the inside, and it came with a ginormous serving of sour cream and chives.) Delicious! It's definitely a place that serves quality items -- I could tell by the after dinner Earl Grey I got.
(4)Leo O.
Came here for free with a group of people. Service was excellent. For appetizer I had the cold asparagus salad, filet mignon for main course, and assorted cakes and pies with tartuffo and fresh fruit. I actually liked the asparagus salad. They gave A LOT. The sauce was decent but nothing to rave about. The filet mignon was HUGE. I never knew it came in those portion size. The meat was relatively cooked to perfection considering the size of the piece. It was over seasoned though. The sides we had were hash brown potatoes, broccoli, and spinach. All those sides were so so and under seasoned. Spinach was plain and the size of the broccolis were huge, they should have cut them to more reasonable sizes. The house wine was just eh. If you want huge portions, come here. I wouldn't recommend this place unless you just want huge portions of food. They do have tons of private rooms for you to hold events though. In terms of their wine selection, it would be 4 stars. They have tons. Side note, this has got to be one of the largest restaurants in NYC. Two huge floors that I know of.
(3)John S.
Three steaks, oysters and a Caesar salad ordered. Portions (Steak and Oysters) were very large and good, not great, but very good. I remember (Barely since I had more vodka than food), my friends not being really impressed with the service though. If service was better, it would be 4 stars. Definitely not a place to avoid. Perfectly good all around steak place.
(3)Pat A.
When they say the best of the best. They mean the best of the best. This is old school Italian at its best. From the moment you enter, the warm, rich ambiance speaks for itself. The service is impeccable and the food is divine. It is expensive, but worth it. The salmon was the best we've had in years. The medallions of beef with bordelaise sauce was perfect. Cheesecake was old school and just like we love it. Loved every moment. A New York experience you won't want to miss.
(5)Sad A.
This place is a great old school steakhouse. The filet mignon topped with roquefort cheese is amazing - will satisfy any steak craving. The sides were ok - not as great as the steaks Overall, great experience
(4)Betsy L.
Total disappointment! We used to consider Sparks the pinnacle of steakhouses. It's been reduced to a tired cliche. We ordered apps which were great. Wine was great, huge selection. Steaks arrived - what was requested medium well, was very rare. The medium rare entree was easily pushing well done. Mushrooms were cold, not even warm. But the worst part was the service. We were seated about 50 feet from the waiters station. Every female that passed was given the eye up and down by the staff followed by comments. This is 2014, not 1950. We will never be back.
(2)Holly C.
Typical steakhouse decor, great/friendly staff. We started off with raw oysters. The prime sirloin was cooked well to order (medium rare) and the broccoli that we had on the side was good. If you're a steak lover, it's definitely worth coming here.
(4)Balroq O.
Sparks is the class of the field in steakhouses. Not a chain, one location, in the city, that's it. If you read the reviews of Sparks that give it a low rating, nearly all are from either California leaf eaters or hicks from the sticks who seem to think their local Ruth Chris or Applebee's is what a steakhouse is supposed to be like. Listen up Ma and Pa Kettle, your whining about your steak not being cooked quite right or the waiter giving you a little attitude, grow up. Better yet, go home, we don't want you cluttering up the place. If you like big drinks, big steaks and big personalities, come here. If you want your nose wiped for you and your hand held, get lost.
(5)Bleep S.
Not for me...The steak was too chewy ...the sides were blah...blah mushroom caps...blah creamed spinach. Wasn't there a Mafia hit right outside Sparks? Probably won't happen again... If I want steak, I'll go to Peter Lugar.
(2)scott r.
Went in this past week was really looking forward to it. The good was the filet,shrimp and oysters. The not so good was Creamed spinach was like soup, orange sorbet was tasteless and my son got ill aprox 2 hours after our meal. He was fine after he threw up. not sure if it was the restaurant or not.
(2)alex C.
Classy steakhouse with some old school gentlemen charm. The staff here also serves you with the upmost professionalism, befitting of big ballers and rich businessmen who frequent this joint. The meats are delicious here. I had the lamb chops while my friends had the prime sirloin. Our server assured me that it would be the best lamb chops I've ever had in my life, and it was. I would highly recommend them to anybody coming here, because to me, the prime sirloins were just okay. Kinda on the chewy side, but I am much more of a ribeye fan anyway. All the meats are dry aged and seasoned extremely well. The sides were more fillers than something to write home about. Unfortunately, we were too full for desserts as those sirloins were massive--just look at the pictures. The service was completely professional, and our server was friendly and even goofy at times. I'm sure it had to do with us kids at the table, because everywhere else I looked in the restaurant, I saw tables of guys in shirt and tie ready to dig in. Sparks is completely full of businessmen during the week. Recap: great service, get the lamb chop, and don't come here to check out girls.
(4)Joseph P.
I don't know how many times I've been here, but as my friends and I are currently engaged in a tour of Manhattan steak houses, I thought we should come back here to reorient ourselves, as I've always considered it the best. I'm pleased to say it is still the standard by which I judge all the others. To be fair, I've stuck with sirloin throughout all the various steak houses, so as to have a fair platform on which to compare them. None has achieved this standard yet. Peter Luger couldn't match it, the palm, porterhouse, all fell short. Ben benson's doesn't even deserve mention in the same breath. The closest I guess was Ben and jacks.
(5)Bruce W.
Went there with 5 friends for my birthday dinner.. Awesome. My Porterhouse was cooked to perfection, sides were awesome. Wait staff was very friendly and fun. And to top it off, we got to watch the Jets lose to Tebow. Of course, I did a Tebow when they served me dessert, met some friendly patrons, fun atmosphere, excellent service to boot as well. I love Wolfgang's too, can't say one is better than the other.
(5)Mercedes G.
Not as impressed as excited I was to go because their reputation my expectation was more then it turned out to be.Poor and old decor and bathrooms in their private room we had rented for 30 people. Steak was good but really salty, hash potatoes burned...more like side dish to breakfast eggs,greens and desert excellent but that's not what you go to steak house for especially at that price bracket.Not worth the money ,will try other places before going back.
(2)Ben H.
I arrived in NY looking for a great steak place. My friend told me that his co-workers recommended Sparks (since it was known for being a local favorite place for steak). We started off with an appetizer - the oyster shooters. The oysters were really good and fresh. The steak, however, wasn't as great as I had expected (I had the ribeye). Don't get me wrong..it was good, but it didn't give me the, 'wow, this is a really good steak' type of experience. I personally like Peter Luger's and Wolfgang's better.
(3)Mike X.
Took my wife to Sparks, for lunch..Place was pretty empty. We were seated at a table as soon as you go into the dinning area behind a partition....Could hear the help laughing, and talking loud, and cursing...I'll never go to this dump again....And the food was.like any were else in a high end restaurant in Manhattan. There"s a lot of other nice steakhouses in NYC....
(2)Sandy V.
I am VERY disappointed my reservation has been canceled and with no explanation. I had planned this trip for a long time as a birthday present.
(1)Robert P.
Never, ever again. 0 for 2 here. Awful service, beginning with the maitre d. Reservations are often ignored / delayed (fairly confident I saw cash palmed...) and food merely average. So many better steakhouses in nyc.
(1)Rae D.
The hustle and bustle in this steak house was the only thing that was memorable to me. Oh... and the tartufo! I ordered the prime sirloin steak, medium rare. It was meh, especially for the price I was going to pay. There was just no flavor of the steak. I should have just bought the steak uncooked and cooked it myself. The side dishes were just as forgettable. The tartufo blew me away... so good! For those who don't know, tartufo is ice cream enrobed in a shell of chocolate. But the dessert wasn't that great in order for me to salvage this review to 3 stars...
(2)remy w.
simply put, sparks is the bench mark for steak in nyc. service, quality of food, all 5 star:
(5)Lori W.
Totally went all out on this one! Between the two of us we split the Filet minion, Lobster, and a bottle of wine. It was fantastic. The waiter was great! The steak was PERFECT! The smallest lobster we could get was still HUGE! lol. Also ordered potatoes and creamed spinach but didn't eat them as the main dish was so much food. Didn't leave any room for desert but we had cappuccinos and it was fantastic as well.
(4)Chris S.
A-OK sounds about right for Sparks. I've eaten many a steak houses and this runs below average. We had tomatoes and onion and is wasn't anything special at all. I was hoping for a wedge salad but they didn't even have it on the menu. I had the Sirloin medium rare. They brought it out medium. This place is over priced and has the atmosphere of a casino floor in Atlantic City. I will say that the mushroom heads were very good. They seemed to be soaked in butter. There is nothing else special about this place. With all the steak places in NY I will never go back to Sparks.
(3)kyle w.
Good steak, but the ambiance was lacking. Let's start with the highlight of the evening, the sirloin steak is phenomenal. The cut has enough fat in the cut to give it real flavor. They nailed a perfect medium well preparation, but they added a bit of a crispness on the outside which actually added to the texture and enhanced my experience. This probably ranks number 4 on my list of best steaks (In case you are wondering what my top 3 are: 1. Old Homestead, 2. Delmonico's 3. Peter Luger's). The hashbrown potatoes were a great compliment to the steak. The wine list was ridiculous... they have to have a menu 2.5 feet tall to fit them all on there. The restaurant is huge and they must do a ton of volume. It was packed (mostly with men... probably a 6 to 1 male to female ratio. So, women, this might be a good place for you to hang out) when we got in there at 8:00 on a Wednesday night. The clientele seemed to be touristy and businessmen. The ambiance was really pretty kitchy and a little rough around the edges, like they had neglected some much-needed maintenance. The service was fairly poor, we found ourselves waiting noticeably longer that we should have every step along the process. Overall, you should go to taste the steak. Everything else is mediocre. I won't be going back anytime soon.
(4)Dana S.
Great food, but the menu wasn't really anything I haven't seen before from other steakhouses. Their wine list is impressive, and our server was very knowledgable and friendly. Lots of suits... I might return for a business dinner but not to socialize. As far as steakhouses go, nothing really sets it apart, but I did enjoy my meal and no complaints about the service.
(3)Ari B.
I was here a few years ago for my dad's birthday. We had a big party, I believe maybe 12 or 14, possibly even 16 people. Just as all high rated, and even not high rated steakhouses, the place was very expensive. All I can say is that my steak was a bit dry, and I ordered a medium cooked sirloin. Maybe one day I will be back to give it another chance, but for now, if I want a fantastic steak that never disappoints, I would have to recommend Peter Luger's.
(3)Brian G.
I had a great experience when I came here for dinner. For me, the appetizers were the best part of the meal, though the steak did not lag far behind. We started with lump crabmeat cocktail, Fresh Bufala Mozzarella, and hot Lump Crab Meat & Bay Scallops. They were all absolutely delicious. And as I was very hungry when we arrived, it was a relief that the appetizers came very quickly. The hot Lump Crab Meat & Bay Scallops were my favorite, though the others werent far behind. The mozzarella (served with tomatoes) was very fluffy, flavorful, and unique. I highly recommend trying this too. For the main course, we shared the Prime Sirloin and a Lobster. The steak was very salty. However, I have yet to meet a steak I didnt like and did enjoy it nevertheless. The lobster was cooked perfectly and served cracked and easy to eat without making a mess. If you plan to get this, bring your appetite as they start at 3+ pounds. The price only goes up by $10 for each incremental pound, so you can easily get a large lobster to feed 2+ people. Definitely check this place out. Its got a fun, laid back atmosphere, attentive staff, and good food. Hope your experience was as good as mine.
(5)Kirk W.
Native new yorker who has been gone from the city for 10 years. I tell everyone who visits NYC to be sure to eat at Sparks. Was so happy to be back at my favorite steak house. However, I was incredibly disappointed in quality of food and service. My wife's water glass was empty and not refilled until we asked. I am sure this would never have happened in the past. The waiter only visited us one time during our dinner. The exceptional service I knew never showed up. We ordered the lump crab meat and bay scallops appetizer, 2 sirloin steaks, fresh red snapper, creamed spinach, sauteed mushrooms and hash brown potatoes. The snapper was over cooked and dry. The lump crab meat and bay scallops was tasteless and unseasoned. I remember that dish used to be drenched in garlic and butter. And the steak was burnt on the outside and unseasoned. I remembered the best thing about the sparks steak beside being a great cut of meat was the seasoning on the outside. Not sure if the seasoning is the same because it was all burnt. All in all it was a very disappointing dinner. Maybe it was the high expectations from years of great experiences at the restaurant but it sure didn't live up to my memories of yesteryear.
(2)G O.
I don't need to go on about how amazing this place is considering the other reviews that are much more eloquent and descriptive. It is old school and awesome... yadda yadda. But, here's an important note that I haven't seen yet. Don't get the fillet mignon. It's not even in the same stratosphere with the Prime Sirloin. Get the Prime Sirloin, medium rare, a side of hash browns, and a side of asparagus. I guarantee it will be one of the 3 best steaks you've ever eaten (it is my top). So: Fillet = no. Prime Sirloin = yes.
(5)Johnny E.
Never disappoints. This place has a lot to talk about besides the food if you know what I mean- if not ask. Steaks are great and the service is good. May have to deal with the wanna be crowd but it's worth it. I'm definitely a fan!
(4)Jose S.
Big wine selection? Great steak! Capital grill beats it though. I would come here again.
(4)Lisa B.
As a female, it's a bit intimidating. But, it's steak house, filled up with all the corporate boys...lol. The environment is classy and the food is excellent. Will go back again
(5)Julie G.
It was the boyfriend's birthday and I took him to Sparks. All I can say is that this was the biggest filet mignon I have ever seen in my entire life. It was cooked perfectly and I loved every bite of it. The creamed spinach was OK (I've had better elsewhere) and the servings were kind of small. The wine selection is spectacular, but the cheapest bottle of red wine is probably $60. They even have cigars, which the boy had the luxury of enjoying as well. The meal was pretty pricey, but well worth it. We both walked out of there stuffed to the brim.
(4)Tony P.
Ate there a few months ago. Great service. Good food. Huge portions. Interesting crowd.
(4)Greg P.
This is my "go to" steak house in the City. The atmoshphere is what you would expect in a NYC steakhouse while the food is very good as well as always consistant. Atmosphere - yes, this is the place where Gotti gunned down Castellano and there still seems to be a "boys club, wise guy" atmosphere here. The bar is big enough to hold the large crowds that wait for their table - and this is the only reason i dropped it down a notch. No matter what time your reservation is, they still make you wait about 30 minutes for a table (and i have been here over two dozen times!). Still, the bar is always filled with happy people and always meet a few folks/characters as we wait. The wine list is really good - lots of very good selections for big/bold Cabs, ZIns and Merlots to go with steak. In addition, they have a large selection of Italian wines. The wine by the glass menu is very well thought out as well with various price points. Food - let me be honest, all i have had or anyone in my party has every had is the steak or the lobster. For the lobster, the other yelpers have done it justice - it is a huge lobster that the waiter will help you as much as you would like to de-shell all the meat. Always get great compliments on the lobster. For the steak - it is awesome! They have a pepper and seasalt crust that sears the juices inside of the steak - it really is one of the best steaks i have consistantly had! I usually get the Filet, but have split the Porterhouse with my wife if she dares skip the Lobster. The steaks are always cooked perfect and very juicy. The sides are typical steakhouse - we usually stick with the mushroom caps and creamed spinach. Both are really good and compliment the meal! For starters, we usually get their house salad which comes with their homemade dressing - its awesome and they have it by the bottle if you want to take some home (we always have a bottle in the fridge!). I highly recommend Sparks if you are visiting the city. It is consistantly good and is a great experience.
(4)Mike M.
I would agree with the 3 1/2 stars. Had the sirloin which was cooked perfectly but was a little tough. I was surprised that a steak house of this magnitude lacked a porter house on the menu. I must say the service was exceptional. The appetizers were nothing special average at best for a steak house. The sides were not as good as other steak houses. There are better values in N.Y.C.
(3)TJ J.
Nice, old style New York steakhouse. Busy and a little loud, but overall a nice atmosphere. I am from Kansas City. I know what great steak taste like. Sparks did a great job with my steak. I would highly recommend this place if you want some old school charm and some serious steak consumption.
(4)Mikael N.
This is an old classic and it stills stands strong. I went here a couple of years ago and decided to go back and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I like the old school setting, the audience is older than usual, but the service is impeccable. The place has some interesting history too, so ask the waiter for the run-down! The meat we had was perfect. Both the sirloin and Filet Mignon was grilled to perfection and the crust they manage in this place taste phenomenal. Wine list is great, both for Italian and Napas. I suggest you take the New York cheesecake for dessert if you are into that. It was really good! Coffee is excellent too. Fuggedabait!
(5)Marc M.
Sparks is part of New York City's glamorous mobster history and that gives it a cachet that other steak houses simply can't have, no matter the quality of the food. For the uninitiated, on a freezing winter day 25 years ago, Big Paul Castellano, then reputed head of the Gambino crime family, was on trial in federal court for various racketeering charges. After a long day in court, Big Paul decided to go to his favorite midtown steak house. He never made it inside. John Gotti, Paulie's rival, decided the sidewalk outside Sparks was the perfect place for a rubout and the deed was done. Big Paulie was getting out of the limo when he was rubbed out along with his dining buddies. Big Paul died a hungry man. And another bit of New York mobster glamour was born. Paulie's choice of restaurants was as good as his choice of occupation was bad. The prices are high but I venture to say that Big Paul probably didn't worry about that. The steaks are all tasty, rib eye and filet mignon are both superb.. The home fries are the best in the City. They are loaded with salt and anyone who likes home fries without loading them with salt is a not a real home fries afficionado. For dessert, try the chocolate cheese cake. . For those who enjoy eating where the mobsters go to their last meal, you used to be able to go to Umbertos on the corner of Mulberry Street. You can still go the original sight and see the word Umberto's engraved in the sidewalk (where Joey Gallo met his maker in 1972) but Umberto's has moved up the street and the old place was forlorn and neglected.
(4)Megan M.
Best steak house in NYC (including Lugers in Brooklyn). I've eaten at Sparks more than 50 times, and it rarely disappoints. The steaks are amazing. The service is professional. I order the same thing every time - house salad, rare sirloin and hashed browns. Perfection.
(5)Anne T.
We went for an anniversary celebration and it was wonderful. The sliced steak was tender and very flavorful. The Halibut Steak was fresh and grilled to perfection. The portions for both entrees were very generous. For appetizers the Ceasar Salad was okay, but the Grilled Shrimp was excellent. The dining room is very large with an old world steak house feel. It is pricey but worth it for a special occasion.
(5)Emma L.
Very old fashioned steak house.... but where was the Porterhouse? Odd. Went straight for the meat and potatoes - filet, sirloin, both medium rare + hashed brown potatoes. Can't mess that up! (I hope). The steak was not as flavorful as I would have liked and the filet was not as tender as I would have liked either. Good potatoes... but again, it's hashed... and potatoes... nothing to sing about. It was just OK.
(3)Midnight B.
I had a filet mignon here and was not impressed, the meat was tough and very hard on my stomach. The hash brown potatoes were excellent though and the ambiance is great, but for what you're paying you'd expect better meat. Everyone in NY recommends this place but my experience was just eh.
(3)Ben F.
Sparks itself: In its own right is very pretty, old timely made me feel comfortable. FOOD! Filet Mignon: Not for nothing was one of the most delicious steaks I've ever had. Hash Brown: Again delicious, perfectly seasoned and enough butter to feel my heart valves shut just a little with every bite, had perfect natural crispiness on the side where they were browned. SwEeTTTtttttttttt. Creamed Spinach: tasty nothing else needs to be said. Their wine list is beyond sick, siiiiiiiiiiicccccccckkkkkkkkkk. This place would have received 5 stars but lost it because of 1 semi rotten apple, Our "server" i swear you could smell douche from the second you sit down, but Mr Douchey McDoucherson didn't show his true color until one of my dinner party saw this absolutely beautiful 31/2# Lobster and wanted to change her order to that..... Our second waiter who was a great well mannered gentleman the entire meal said "i can make no promise, but I will check the possibility of changing ur order." My super star of the night got the change made, and had our visitor from Ireland more then pleased. When McDouche alot heard he got the change for her, he loudly enough showed how un pleased he to our attention. Now i saw this as completely inappropriate, again customer service industry and its not the cheapest establishment make ur customers happy. He acted like he had to cook it himself, I was not pleased but not surprised by any means. Would I go back, maybe.....
(4)Denise M.
SO tasty!! Loved the salmon and all the side plates we ordered. Nothing was as good as the dessert though- the ice cream tartuffo was amazing! This steak house is definitely worth visiting!
(5)Amie R.
I went to Sparks last night and was so excited to try it after hearing many good things. Sadly, I was completely dissapointed. I love the old world look of classic New York Steakhouses, but Sparks just looked a bit musty and very dated. How often do they clean the dust off of all those old paintings I wonder? The wine list was very impressive. A friend and I ordered the shrimp cocktail for an appetizer, which was fresh ahd very good. For entree we both ordered the filet mignon medium rare with creamed spinach. My steak was completely overcooked (SINFUL!) and really just had absolutely no taste. I questioned whether or not to send it back as of course they would not be able to undercook it, but finally gave in as the steak alone was almost $50. Service was wonderful and they had no problem giving me a fresh steak. Unfortunately, the steak I got back was just so tasteless and uninspired. While VERY large, it just lacked....everything. These steaks are not juicy, and they don't "bleed". They are just supersized pieces of meat thrown on the grill. I barely even could tell if they had been seasoned. The bernaise was delcious but it's sad to have had to use it to disguise the flavor (or lack thereof) of the filet. Way too expensive for the quality. The creamed spinach was very boring as well. Service, however, was excellent! I'm glad to have tried it but definitely will not be back.
(1)Kevin P.
Definitely not the best steakhouse in NYC. Luger beats this place in almost every aspect. Friends treated me to Sparks for an early b-day dinner, and I was very excited to try the supposedly best sirloin in the city. There was no wait when we got there, place was partially empty. We started off with shrimp cocktail and crabmeat cocktail. Nothing to brag about the appetizers. For entrees we ordered the sirloin (med rare), Chilean sea bass, and the beef scaloppini. The sirloin was good, but not the best. It's juicy and flavorful inside, charred on the outside, but too salty. The sea bass was overcooked, hence a little dry. The scaloppini was decent. We also had the creamed spinach, hash brown, and mushroom caps for sides. Overall, it was a very underwhelming experience. Personally I won't go back to Sparks. Del Frisco's and Peter Luger are still my top picks.
(3)Tommo L.
I filled my belly with steak on a lunchtime last week. This is a straight forward no nonsense steakhouse, don't expect bullshit.
(5)Mark S.
This is a man's steakhouse! Great food with an amazing wine list. I ordered the NY strip. For the first time in my life, I ate the entire strip. The marbling tasted like butter. The creamed spinach was perfect...not over salted like other steakhouses. I recommend making a reservation. If you don't you will be sitting in the bar for dinner. I also love any steakhouse that has MaCallan's 30 on hand.
(4)Tanya T.
Best Steak. Best Fish. Fresh Salads. And the pecan/walnut pie is off the charts! Wine list, very extensive and affordable (imagine that?!). Kickass restaurant. More waitstaff should take lessons from Sparks on how to treat their customers. I am a female and feel very comfortable sitting at the bar and relaxing/unwinding after a hard day's of work. The waitstaff and managers are friendly, courteous and make me feel as if I am special each time I come in. Great place. I send EVERYbody to Sparks for a great meal, good wine and an overall brilliant experience.
(5)Greg M.
At this point, I've been to a few of the major steak houses in NYC - Keen's, Peter Luger's, Ben and Jack's, Delmonico's.. I love Peter Luger's and I have to say that it is the best, but Sparks may be a close second. The place reminds me of an old steakhouse, 1960's style, where wiseguys gathered over a table to discuss their next racket. The food and service is outstanding, however. I ordered the porterhouse rare - and it did not disappoint - it was exceptionally tender and cooked to perfection.
(4)justin w.
Tis the season for expense account steak dinners! (assuming, your company is doing massive layoffs or is bankrupt) This place is a great steak place to go, especially if you have a large group...(unfortunately, this is also a con because too large of groups here tend to be very very loud) Aside from the noise level, steaks here are sirloin cuts and taste comparable to strip house, (maybe a notch lower though) Sides are ok, but they are quick to give you bread! so quick even they give you rolls when you still have one on your plate.
(4)Matt E.
Part of the appeal of Sparks to me is that i have convinced myself that some of the staff may have dumped bodies in the east river at some point in their life. Well, probably not, but it has become a joke amongst my friends and I. After all, Paul Castellano was shot outside this steakhouse so i'm sure it's possible :) Anyways - Sparks may be one of my first NY steakhouse loves. It's quite amazing. The filet is large, incredibly juicy, and cooked perfectly all the time. That is the only cut of meat that i have had - so i can't comment on the rest. And to be honest, the selection of cuts seems to be pretty small. They have an excellent wine list - lot of choices and very reasonably priced. You can get quite a few good bottles here between $50 - $80. I mostly opt for a bordeaux or a chateanueff du pape. What are Sparks weaknesses ? The appetizers and sides, in my opinion. I have had the smoked scottish salmon and the proscuitto with melon as an appetizer. The salmon was not bad, the proscuitto was not very good. Then again, i compare all proscuitto to Lupa, which is a high standard to hold it to. I also wish they had a few more options for side dishes with the steak, such as string beans, carrots, french fries, etc. Great steak and great wine - highly recommended. Just make sure there are no problems paying your tab..... you don't want to be in debt to this place :)
(4)Sedef E.
This steakhouse is a joke, abysmal even. 1) No rib eye. Plus remaining options for steaks were amiss. 2) No sommelier. 3) Poured our own wine ($160 bottle - although price should not matter). 4) Manager was dismissive.
(1)Vivian H.
I trekked out to this place for a work-related dinner and I found the fare pretty average. I dont remember much of the food, which basically implies that it wasnt that great. Its an average steakhouse with all your usual players. The thing is, I had a few colleagues that really did not like the steak encrusted with blue cheese. The overall complaint was that the blue cheese completely masked the natural delicious flavor of the steak. It was OK experience, however, dont think I will venture into the City again for this place.
(3)Jeff C.
Great steaks but the waiter was rude to the point that we were scared to ask for anything.
(3)Laura P.
I have to be honest on this one. I love my steak. And the steak I got, along with everyone's at the table, was burnt and nothing special. I should have known when they brought out the tomato and onion appetizer. It was withered and sad. I got a little misty at the sight. It smells good here, but that's the only good thing I can say. Goodbye $400. I will miss you.
(2)Diane A.
Sparks Steak House was the location for my friend's grad school graduation dinner with the family and a few friends. I was excited to get the invitation. As expected, it is an elegant Midtown steakhouse. Steaks are great. Sides were delicious, too. I can't remember the dessert, but I think it was ice cream. My steak was more medium than rare (I had requested it the other way around), but I didn't want to be a wanker and send it back in front of all these people in town for a celebratory dinner. Otherwise, a fine meal.
(4)Johnny C.
Ehhh, this place was good. Just not to die for omg best thing ever great. A steakhouse is a steakhouse is a steakhouse. To differentiate, you have to go bigger to impress. One day, I will find this utopian chi chi steakhouse! (Not to be confused with my rib eye review for the more everyday affordable Outback - I still stand by that declaration and five star review.) If you want to eat here without a reservation, be prepared to wait. I think I waited for over an hour with oodles of other people waiting for their table. When I say oodles, I mean oodles - enough people to make a non-claustrophobic person claustrophobic. On a more positive note, once we were seated, all was happy with the world. Still full from lunch, I opted for a smaller cut than I would normally order - the fillet mignon. So naive. The fillet mignon I received was like cow on steroids big. Though I can't complain, it was nicely cooked - just short of tastes like butter, melts in your mouth five star status. The sides were decent too - mushroom caps, creamed spinach, hash brown potatoes and asparagus. I was with a big group - we did family style sides. My high praise in this review has to go to the wine selection - it's awesome. My steak was perfectly paired with a Beaulieu - BV Georges de Latour Private Reserve 2004 Cab. Scrumptious. Beyond the food and wine, the other humorous part of the night was the genuine NYC native Sparks waiter. This guy was not shy about his opinions. I was having dinner with a Mets fan and the Sparks waiter cracked a joke the second we sat down. -Waiter says to Mets fan, "Do you know what the Mets stand for?" -Mets fan, "Uhm.....(pause) enlighten me." -(Obviously Yankee's fan) Waiter, "(M)Y (E)NTIRE (T)EAM (S)UCKS!" -The whole table, "Ouch." Brutal, but oh so entertaining. Another meal on someone else's dime. Being wined and dined by a vendor on a work trip is...nice.
(3)Reba B.
We got the shrimp and scallops appetizer, two ginormous steaks, and a baked potato. The scallops were insane yum. The menu doesn't give the size of the steaks, only the cut. But you better be ready to eat. This steak is the size of a large kitten. I ate half. My boyfriend got closer. The wine list is ridic. They've got it all. honestly the shining star here was the appetizer. Yums. But ok, it kind of pissed me off because we showed up with a bag from the MOMA and we were clearly from out of town, and I get it, we weren't exceptionally dressy with me in a casual dress and the bf in shorts. But they sat us in a totally shitty area right in the bar. AGAIN, i know I've said it before, but we're having a very expensive meal right now. You need to seat us in a decent part of the restaurant. And the thing was the place wasn't crowded. It was like they sat us in a bullshit spot to prepare for a crowd that might end up coming. So ok, I am pointing out a deficiency, which makes me sound like a complainer. But we didn't ask to be moved because we are huge people watchers and we had the best view in the house.I'm just just letting ya'll know for future reference, if you do not want to sit next to the bar and eavesdrop on other people's conversations, you better show up looking as though you've got money to spend.
(3)Yousaf K.
The Prime Rib was very underwhelming, and like a previous reviewer make sure to ask to have you steak cooked one up then what you normally prefer.
(3)Ed P.
Great steak but not the best I've had! Scallops were fishy??
(3)S W.
4.5 stars Had an 8:15 reservation on friday night. Restaurant was busy but not overly crowded. Tables were open yet we weren't seated until 8:45ish. This is where you lost half a star. I got lost in the wine list so just went with the house which was very good. The gf did the same. We ordered lump crab and scallop appetizer which was delicious. Very fresh and a nice light starter. I could've ate a lot more of this one. Onto the mains and sides... We got the beef medallions and went with the 3 lb lobster as well as creamed spinach and hashbrowns. The sides were both delicious and complimented the main courses very well. Beef medallions were cooked perfectly and very tender. The Lobster.... They wheeled it over to the table and i hear "you are the lucky winner" I just thought the waiter meant i got a good lobster. Nope. The waiter then says the chef wasn't happy with all the meat on this lobster. It is perfectly fine to eat, but give us another 10 minutes and we are going to wheel out another one of thes on the house. I ate the first one and it was delicious. Nothing wrong with it at all. Most restaurants would give you this one and that would be that. Right as I finished the first one, out comes the 2nd even bigger lobster. I was full but continued to eat the 2nd as it wa so good and cooked perfectly and incredibly tender. After somewhere's around 6 1/2 lbs of lobster I couldn't look at any other food and nearly had to take my pants off in the restaurant. Very impressed by this service here and although I probably had my lobster fix for the rest of the year I will be back.
(4)Allie C.
This is by defnition a 5 Star Restaurant. My friend's parents had a dinner for him and all his closest friends. Reservation for 15. Really big restaurant. We were deep in the back. We had all the appetizers. Shrimp cocktail, broiled shrimp, baked clams, prosciutto with melon, asparagus, & mozzarella and sliced tomato. Our glasses of red and white wine were constanly being filled. Never less than half empty. Entree time. We all got something different so we would slice a portion and share. I ordered the Chilean sea bass for myself. I tried the medallions of beef, the red snapper, halibut steak, and wild salmon. Perfecto! dessert. huge plate of fruit, ice cream thingys, and whipped cream. Ughhh can you say OVERINDULGE?? Come prepared to pace your appetite. I knew what was coming so i made room for everything. Defintiely coming back for my birthday which is months away! Everyone knows this place is great. There were 2 other tables that sang HappyBday that night.
(5)Terri R.
Sparks is officially my all time favorite steak house now. Everything was delicious- from the sirloin to the oysters to the hash brown potatoes. Only thing I thought was just ok was the creamed spinach, too creamy in my opinion, although it tasted good. We started out with drinks at the bar since we were early and I was happy they carried Hendricks Gin and had an extensive wine list. The bar was pretty busy but we found a place and the bartender was quick and took care of us as needed. I had heard it was mainly men who seemed to frequent the place and although there were a lot more men than women, it wasn't that significant. I saw a couple of tables with just women. For my birthday they brought out a slice of cheesecake with "happy birthday" on the plate in chocolate, which was scrumptious. Our waiter was attentive and genuinely nice. The history of the mafia shooting that happened near the entrance made for interesting conversation. Fabulous dinner in a Fabulous city!
(5)Arie W.
I came with high expectations and left with much to be desired. This place had been recommended to me by a friend who had come to this place a couple years ago. Apparently it's lost some luster. She told me that this place was a bit stuffy, but nice. I got dressed up and when I got there, the crowd was a mix of business casual to extremely casual. The oysters were great, sides were average and the steak was good. The main reason for my 2 score (I would've given it a 3.5) was because the waiter was TERRIBLE. There was another waiter walking by who got us water and also got our waiters attention when we needed service. We were ready to order and our waiter would just not come to our table. He would walk by, I would wave him down and then he'd say in a minute and walk away. I overheard the other waiter tell him we were ready to order and our waiter said, "I'm not taking their order until this other table pays". My boyfriend ordered a sirloin steak, I ordered a filet. When our food got to our table, we had 2 filets. The waiter had made a mistake. The other waiter came by and said "Would you like the proper steak? It'll take about 5 minutes." Then our waiter ran over to our table and said "What happened? Oh, this isn't the right steak? Are you sure you want the sirloin, it'll take 20 minutes to make" Obviously he made another big mistake and I got the impressions that for mistakes like these, it comes out of their paycheck. I was so annoyed at this point. My boyfriend didn't want to cause any problems so he just agreed to eat the filet. When we ordered dessert, our waiter got that wrong too! I repeated my order at least 4 times to make sure he understood it. I asked for vanilla ice cream with the chocolate shell. He said sure sure, barely even listening to me and when he left I already knew I wasn't going to get what I ordered. The worst part was that he was so unapologetic. It really put a damper on the experience. I would've left him a $10 tip because that was actually more than he deserved and maybe he would realize the tip was based upon the terrible service, but I ended up giving him 16%. I will probably never go again, but if I do, next time I will send the steak back.
(2)Kathleen C.
Went to New York City to celebrate my sister's 21st birthday and wanted to take her out for a really nice dinner. Kept hearing about Sparks being one of the top 5 steakhouses in NYC and I definitely wasn't disappointed! The host was kinda a jerk to us. We made reservations a week in advance and showed up right on time. Not sure if that is how he is or if it was because not one of us was over 26 -- doesn't mean we can't pay for dinner! I had to ask to be seated numerous times as they wanted us to get drinks at the bar. We were finally seated at a table without any tablecloth or dishes, etc. which was weird. Appetizers/Salads: We ordered a crabmeat cocktail and a shrimp cocktail which were great! I would have skipped the shrimp cocktail knowing how great the crab was. And thankfully we noticed how HUGE the salads were so the 4 of us shared a mixed salad and a caesar salad. I had mixed and it was exactly what i wanted. Entrees: 2 Filets for the men -- they said they were fantastic. No complaints at all. Seabass for me and the lobster/shrimp combo for my sister. My fish was fine. I tried my sister's dish which was amazing! I would definitely get that if I ever went back. Yummy! We got broccoli and has browns to go with the entrees, which we definitely couldn't finish! And had 3 bottles of wine to quench our thirst through the long (2 1/2 hour) meal! Our waiter was great and wasn't rushing us to get out of the table as we finished our wine. Bill came out to be $430 without tip but was definitely memorable and great service (minus the host).
(4)Andy P.
One of the great steakhouses in America. Italian style. Class, fantastic sirloin. Absolutely amazing. The best steak I ever had was at Sparks. Mind you, I've been about a dozen times, the food has been up and down. However, the high points were tremendously high and the low points were not particularly low: a surly waiter, waiting when we had a reservation, hashbrowns too greasy one night... whatever, it's not that important. A better illustration about this place is how I first got there: I was on a flight back from my first trip to Europe. I had a 5 hour lay-over in NYC. I was in my early 20's and in a band... long hair, looked dog-tired, plane grade clothing... with my lay-over, though, I knew what I wanted to do. It was December 29th, I think... I told my cabbie at the airport, take me by Rockefeller center and then to Sparks. He did. I walked into Sparks at 3pm. There was no one there. I looked like Pete Doherty at 5am on any given night... I said, "it's just one of me". They were happy to seat me, no problem (even though I'm sure I was in ripped jeans and a leather jacket). I asked them, "what's the best thing you've got?" They said, "the sirloin". I got it. My life has never been the same. Sparks rules!
(5)Parisa S.
Good, but I prefer Del Frisco's on both a quality-of-food level, and ambiance. I am also put off by the fact that I have waited over 1.5 hours for a table, despite having a reservation. In my opinion, that's totally unacceptable. If you can't seat me ontime, it makes me question the rest of your operation... Anyway, my steak was just OK. My sides were just OK. Can't really point to anything outstanding, except for my wine. They DO have an extensive and very good wine list. I know this partly thanks to the hours I spent at the bar instead of at the table that was supposed to be reserved in my name. Also, I'm not a huge fan of the ambiance at Sparks. Very old school, very fat italian men with a pocket-full of cigars. Very looks-like-the-inside-of-a-cheezy-Vegas-casino decor. And watch out for the Cougars. Not so much, Sparks. Not so much.
(3)Gracie-C Y.
It's an old school steakhouse. The kind of place you would imagine your wealthy grandpa going to decades ago. Nothing fancy on the menu, just steak, steak, and steak. Tuxedo-clad waiters were a bit on the slow side, but they were knowledgeable... about steak. The meat is well-aged and flavorful. Not as good as Peter Luger's in Brooklyn, but it'll do ya. Desserts were boring. I'm pissed about their coat-check policy. They charge $1 per coat. A dollar per coat! After dropping almost two-hundred bucks on dinner, you'd think they wouldn't nickel and dime you on the god-damned coat check.
(3)Chris G.
Great steakhouse, expensive but definitely has a charm. It is old school, a men smoking cigars and drinking scotch kind of feel. It's main claim to fame is for being the spot Paul Castellano was gunned down by John Gotti. I would say it is well worth occasionally, but isn't a place you'd be going back to on a constant basis. This is a placve you do not pour steak sauce on the meat. You dont change a thing when it arrives at the table!
(4)Haib B.
Been there 2 times. (last time was Oct 2008). Amazing steak. Among the elite if not the best (I have yet to try Peter Luger). You get what you pay for. Fantastic 5 star service and 5 star food. The restaurant has this authentic old New York feel. You simply can't help picturing old and new celebrities, political figures, and everyone in between dining in there. And the wine list is dizzying. This place is great for any occasion, business meetings, date, family gathering or just a casual meal.
(5)Paty R.
One more time the sparks is the best steak house in the world, my dinner was very good tonight. the dessert was the best and amazing part of the night a really good taste and beautiful decoration like always that is the reason I like to come here every time!!
(5)Tim D.
Besides The Capital Grill, this may be the best steak house in New York. The classic old world decor translates well with the power players of Wall Street or other titans of business that frequent this historic steak house. I had medallions of beef - absolutely out of this world. Layer after layer of flavor; each complimenting the previous. The staff is as professional as you can get! The wine selection was more than adequate. They have a room in the back that's perfect for a more intimate setting for you and twenty of your friends or colleagues. Do yourself a favor - GO!
(5)Garrett P.
Much better experience last night; went with a corporate crowd and had very unfussy, and suprisingly prompt service considering the group. The issue I had with the last steak (read: line of gristle running the entire length) wasn't there this time. Also, I'm fairly certain that one of the main ingredients in the creamed spinach is salt. Other than that, all was great. Just don't go around the corner and do shots for the rest of the night after you leave. That never ends well.
(4)Benson B.
I need to revisit Sparks Steak House. When you ask a New Yorker to name their favorite steak house, there's an 80% chance they will say "Sparks, it's amazing in Sparks" My BF took me to Sparks for his birthday (haha) and I was so excited to see what the hype is all about. Right after work, everyone's like "so what are you doing tonight...." I told them I am having dinner at Sparks and everyone totally pumped me up even more saying how unbelievably good is it there!! I got there, great "family oriendted" atmosphere, great service... we ordered apps and I got a filet (wasn't feeling the porter house that night)....my filet was sooo dry and not at all tender. I was so upset that I wasn't enjoying my meal so I just kept downing my Kendall Jackson. That kinda made up for my not-so-tasty dinner. I do believe in giving second chances. I need to make another reservation pronto.
(2)Russell W.
Superb service, so-so food. We ate early, were seated promptly, and were well attended to. We had caesar salads, a sirloin, a veal chop, mushrooms, and berries for dessert. The salads were innocuous, probably on a par with The Olive Garden. The veal chop was quite good; the steak, ordered medium rare, came out rare. The mushrooms were OK. The best part was the berries. The bill: $200. Fortunately, we had a gift certificate. Otherwise, we would not have gone.
(3)Pasquale R.
In my endless pursuit of finding the right steakhouse, I think I found it. The food here was really good. Steak was so flavorful! Had the lump crab meat with scallops as an appetizer, so tasty! Split that with a friend along with their Buffalo Mozzarella. It literally melted in your mouth. Did get a side of mushrooms and potato's. Do not recommend the potato's. The service was top notch. Went a little early to avoid the crowds but it got busy fast. Highly recommend it. For anyone that says it's the most reasonably priced steak house is mistaken. It does get pricey. If you get a steak and an app along with a couple of alcoholic beverages expect to pay...a lot but well worth it. Definitely on my list to return to.
(4)Anthony C.
The filet mignon was much better than what I have had in places like Peter Luger or Old Homestead. Sparks also does not have that musty smell you find in a lot of the old steakhouses which I find gross. The menu has a good variety of appetizers and non-steak options, and there are like 8 party rooms if you have a big group as this place can seat A LOT of people very comfortably. Added bonus: you can count the number of "escorts" for fun!
(4)Ric T.
This is my favorite place in New York City to have a steak. Serious portion size, amazing appetizers and terrific sides. Unlike Peter Lugers this place has alot more to offer than just a slab of charred beef. Went a few months back for a cousins birthday. He and my other guest both ordered fish entrees. Both were amazed at the freshness and quality of what was served. My Filet was to die for and the generous appetizers left me walking out of this place feeling as though i was the size of John Candy. Would recommend this place over all the others.. The only downside is the price. The price of our dinner was close to 400 bucks if not more with tip. We barely even had anything to drink..Drinks at the bar are ok and the place could use some sprucing up. Definitely a good place to have a reunion with old college buddies or for a business deal. Wouldnt recommend taking a chick here unless she was some sort of animal... If your girlfriend resembles a grizzly bear well than you may just have to take her. For the most part girls wont be as impress, dont count on getting laid by taking her here. Stick to some of the more trendy downtown restaurants that have sucky food but cool atmosheres. SHit give her a roofie and a strong cocktail and save your self the 300 meal tab.
(4)Bradley N.
FIrst off, I wanted to say I created a yelp account here specifically to post this review in hopes to save someone from going to this sorry establishment. We arrived for a friends birthday and were seated quite quickly. In a restaurant like this for however much you are paying, one would expect the service to be spot on. Our server forgot to take one of our guests order then ran off no where to be seen for 15 minutes. The creamed spinach had crunchy grains of sand in it. One of our guests had a Caesar salad that probably had 4 entire bottles of dressing in it. When we addressed our server he said oh he will go check on it. I then had to wave down another server to find ours and that server said, oh I am your server now because the other guy's shift was over. The Steaks were nothing to write home about either. I think this place is a gimmick and a poor excuse of a restaurant. Save your time and money.
(1)Brad B.
Took a group to Sparks for a business dinner. Had the sliced steak which was excellent. Other entrees in the group were also very good. Baked potato was pathetically small for 8.95. Would still have given Sparks four stars except for the inattentive and arrogant waiter. Service was incredibly poor for a restaurant that was this good and expensive. When I complained on the way out to the manager, we all had the sense that he must have been the waiter's brother -- he could not have cared less. I eat at a lot of nice restaurants and am usually not offended by average service but terrible service is hard to put up with. I gave my lowest tip in years at this restaurant and still probably gave too much.
(3)Arthur O.
One of the most entertaining dining experiences ever. One of my out-of-town friends insisted that he get his steak well-done, and our waiter really laid one into him. He pulled all stops, calling him a pussy, not having a dick, etc, and then despite the fact that he ordered his steak well-done, still gave him a medium. Haha, pure entertainment. Some of my friends tried the Steak Fromage and they liked it. I don't like to mess with my beef, so I went with the Prime Sirloin Steak medium rare and they did a great job. One of the best in the city, I have to say. It's huge and expansive layout reminded me of the Chicago steak joints, that old-school image of hefty men in their suits and ties dining with their similarly hefty lady friends. Old school. Waiters full of character. Something like an upper-class version of Luger. Solid no.3 or 4 on "The Steak Club: NY" List yelp.com/list_details?li… .
(4)Geoffrey M.
I was walking up 46th Street on a cold January night a couple of years back seeking a decent meal somewhere away from the Times Square Hotel my company had stashed me in. I looked up and realized that I was standing in front of Sparks, The place where big Paulie Castellano got whacked. I took it as sign. The guy on the door looked "New Yawk" hostile..oh what the heck...I went in. The place was medium crowded on a Tuesday so I asked if a single could eat in the bar...I could. The place clearly wears its rep as a wise guy hangout proudly with very brassy masculine ambiance That was kind of comforting on a cold winter evening. I settled comfortably in the bar and checked things out. I wouldn't know a gangster if he walked up and shot me but there sure seemed to be a lot of guys in there trying to look the part. After a Dry Martini, I had a great bone in Rib Eye with the usual steak house heart attack accoutrement and some great red wine. It was tasty high quality beef, cooked precisely to order and generously sized. The bartender who served it seemed genuinely pleased to chat with me breaking from the New York stereotype completely. I lingered over a brandy and people watched. I walked back to the Marriott Marquis in a lightly falling snow feeling well fed and satisfied. I slept well. Would I make a point to go back? Probably not ...but it was a great meal and a memorable experience
(4)Michael L.
Great old school NYC steakhouse. It's been a long time since I ate at Sparks, went back last night and was not disappointed. Excellent filet mignon cooked to perfection. I must say they make one of the best steakhouse shrimp cocktails I've encountered. Butterflied and cooked perfectly with a good spicy cocktail sauce. Also had the scallops and lump crab meat appetizer. It was good but the shrimp cocktail is the better choice. Creamed spinach and German style potatoes were great, the side of asparagus was okay, probably should've gotten hollendaise for it. Dessert was very good I had the chocolate mousse cake and a double espresso. Overall a really cool classic steakhouse with great food. Pricey of course, but what good steakhouse in NYC isn't.
(4)J R.
With exception to Paul Castelano I cannot imagine anyone finding fault with Sparks. It's what a steak house should be.
(4)Kirun M.
A couple of my coworkers highly recommended the food at Sparks, so I made a reservation for our dinner group of four. We go big or go home. We aren't stingy and we like to enjoy our food AND our experience. Sparks delivered (mostly) on the food department. Service was almost an epic fail. Let's start with what we ordered. A magnum of Cakebread Cab. It's not a cheap bottle of wine, folks. You'd think this would clue our server in to the type of customers we'd be. The guy was clueless and not the least bit helpful the entire evening. When we asked for any recommendations he could not deliver. By the time I walked out of there I wanted to beat him with the empty wine bottle. Still do, in fact. For appetizers we got the crab and scallop bake, broiled shrimp, and an entree order of the shrimp and lobster tails. Our selection of starters was amazing. Everything was buttery and delicious. For dinner I ordered the Filet Scallopini per the recommendation of my coworker. It's a generous serving of filet medallions covered with mushrooms and red bell peppers. The bell peppers were sweet and so tasty. But the dish as a whole was too salty for me and the meat was not medium rare as I had ordered it. It came out more medium. Even still it was moist and easy to eat. One of my friends got the filet. That is what I should have ordered. Fortunately I got a bite of his. It was delicious. Perfect, almost. Except for the hunk of fat they leave on the meat. The portion of the filet that is meant to be eaten, is divine. Best dish of the night. The second best dish of the night was the lamb chops. Great seasoning and flavor but fattier cuts of meat than I'm used to. Didn't love the fat. The third best dish of the night was the sirloin. The amount of fat on this piece of meat was the way it's intended to be eaten. I thought the flavor was excellent. I never order sirloins, and probably never will. We got a side of hash browns, steamed broccoli and asparagus. And dessert. We also got dessert. The truffle cake was like eating a piece of truffle. I had the smallest bite and really enjoyed it and I don't usually eat chocolate. We also shared the tortuffo (which was just vanilla and chocolate ice cream in a chocolate shell) and the berry dessert with cream. I liked the fruit dessert best. I am annoyed that despite spending close to $200 per person before tip that we got such shitty service. I would recommend saving your dineros and going to Delmonico's in downtown, instead. They know how to treat you!
(3)Ed M.
If you don't mind spending money, this is a great place to eat. It's also notorious for the mob boss that got gunned down in front some years back, but, hey, what's a little ambiance. Good pours of the wine, great selection. Food is exceptional and they only used the best. You're going to pay for it, but it's the best in every aspect. The wait staff are nothing but top notch professionals. Have a special lunch here from time to time when I'm in town and want to catch up with some good friends. We have been here many times and never have been disappointed. This week I had the swordfish. Excellent!
(5)Tammi J.
Had dinner with a group here last night and thought the food was excellent! The portions are huge. The staff was extremely attentive to us. I would definitely recommend this place.
(5)Emily R.
Super interesting crowd and old-school atmosphere. Came to Sparks with a group of clients, who happened to be mostly female. It's like the doorman had never seen a woman walk through those steakhouse doors before. They were going absolutely ballistic, sweeping us over to the bar and pouring wine for us with a sense of absolute urgency. I looked around, and noticed that nobody there was under the age of 55 - a lot of suits, a lot of bald heads. We went to take our table, and as we walked by, someone commented "Should I ask who's getting married?" (ie, the only reason so many chicks would come to this place is if they're at a bachelorette.) It was kind of crazy, but didn't really bother me, as the novelty value was off the charts. Old paintings on the walls, white tablecloths, mafioso-esque staff. This place was not messing around when it came to keeping up a nostalgic atmosphere. Drink service was slow initially, and this is not the place to order any type of custom cocktail - whiskey - rocks, or a bottle of red. Once we got our first round, we started in on ordering...everything on the menu, in typical steakhouse fashion. Fried clams, mozzarella salad, asparagus, creamed spinach..the list goes on. It was all decent, nothing stood out as tremendously unique or even remotely different from what you'd get at one of the dozens of other steakhouses in NYC. However, the steaks were definitely quite the production. They come out on an old wooden cart, and are the approximate size of your head. Absolutely massive. None of us could get through our order, and everyone took over tons of leftovers for extra-bougie steak salads the next day. We stayed for 3 hours and weren't rushed in any way, which I appreciated. If you're looking for a super-old school vibe and extra-expensive spot to celebrate in a carnivorous way, I'd recommend it.
(4)Simon B.
My father and and uncle have been coming here for years. They love it. Unfortunately I don't. This place sadly died and withered away with the 80's and 90's. I've came here plenty of times as a child and I enjoyed it. Recently how ever I decided to celebrate my birthday here. Bottle of Moet Rose, Filet Mignon. My favorite combination ON THE PLANET. The steak was well cut and over sized as expected. The taste? lol undersized and non existent. The service was ok. The staff reminds me of the "Snooty" Server from "Chez Quis" (Ferris Bueller's Day Off). LOL So over all not coming back my dad can keep coming here with the rest of the old timers. I'm going to Peter Lugers. Or one of the 1000 other steak houses that aren't just a time capsule. (seriously renovate the place, it wouldn't hurt you know) It looks like a left over set from "Gotti" cut it out.
(3)Bill F.
Sorry it took a while to update, however, it's been a busy few days. Both my client and I ordered the NY Sirloin, it was seasoned to my liking as I asked our server (Elvis) to ask the cook not to overly season mine, it was as requested. We ordered medium rare it was a bit closer to rare, no problem I can eat steak rare as well. The steak was a bit chewy, however, it's the nature of the beast (pun intended.) When you have a "shell steak" I cut meat for a number of years and that's how we termed it back in the 60's "shell steak" not NY Sirloin or strip is a bit more chewy, one can order a fillet Mignon if they want it like butter. Also, this may result from the wet aging vs. dry aging process. Additionally my steak was not as well marbled as "Prime" should be. All in all it was still a hefty portion and enjoyable. The wine was a solid pour and our sides, asparagus and home fries were fine, maybe just a bit too much of crumbling with the potatoes and not enough solid cuts of spuds, but this is admittedly nit picking. The place was essentially empty on a Thursday from noon to 1:30 pm but they are packed at dinner. Perhaps the fall in lunch trade has caused the rise in price. All in all I enjoyed the company of a friend and client and the food was fine. I asked if Steve was there, but I guess not in that he didn't come to the table, perhaps we can met some other time. Let me go back a bit Elvis was great, as I said in my initial post I'm not a fan of the surly old waiter, Elvis was attentive without being intrusive and made sure we had everything we needed. Thank you Elvis!
(3)Lotus K.
meh. filet mignon was bland much like the black label burger at minetta. the only two things i enjoyed were the hash browns and the cheesecake. i'd rather dine at peter luger's any day. will not be returning.
(3)Kevin B.
Did i walk into a restaurant or steak heaven? This place is the classic New York City steakhouse. From the wine list to the tuxedo'd waiters, the place screams old New York. Above all else, the food here is impeccable! They only serve two cuts of steak, filet mignon and sirloin, but they do execute them so well that they don't need anything else. I hear they also serve lamb chops, but I come here for the beef...and the lobster isn't too bad either. I highly recommend the sirloin. It's what I compare every other steak to. Obviously, you shouldn't be stepping foot in Sparks if you're struggling for money. But, if you can afford it or want to save up for a great dinner, then Sparks is the place to be. For those mafia freaks out there, Sparks was also the site where Paul Castellano was gunned down in the 80's. See! This place has something for everyone!
(5)Naijia H.
Ok so I don't know why people are hating on this place. We went on a Friday night when it was crowded, and felt pampered the entire time. At the bar, the bartender was professional (perhaps a bit curt, but hey, it's new york) and the hosts were gracious. Our waiter was super nice and so good to us. We each had steak and shared a lobster. Having it cracked for you is a treat! Sure, it was an expensive meal, but hey. I had a great time and would go back. It seemed like everyone was having a great time there. There was a table with a bachelor party, a lot of couples on dates, and of course your typical business dinners. I didn't feel out of place though.
(5)Mike S.
Excellent food good ambiance
(5)Robert C.
Was here on a busy Friday night with a party of six, and the place was packed, with a healthy line waiting for a table. In summary, the food was very good, steaks were delicious, and the wine list extensive and reasonably priced. Other issues were distracting, but were not major. We shared a drink in the bar while waiting for our full group. This is a comfortable space, old world bar, with a wall full of cigar selections. Drinks were small but honest. They seated us at a table located awkwardly in the center of the room, and the outside seats were in the way of waiters and diners alike. The passage of the dessert trolley required temporary relocation of two of our party. Appetizers of crab and shrimp, and mozzerella and tomato were fresh and delicious. Considering there were six of us, might have expected the waiter and kitchen to deliver six, rather than four tomato/cheese slices. Everyone ordered steak, and three of the six had to be sent back for some more time on the grill. My sirloin was terrific when it came back properly medium rare. Sides of creamed spinach, mushrooms & onions, and new potatoes were delicious, but small for a party of six. We shared a couple of bottles of Chateau Montelena 2009 and Paloma Merlot of the same vintage, both priced just about 2x retail, which is a very nice break from typical Manhattan markups of 3-4x retail. The waiter worked his butt off, handling 40 seats at one time - a bit much considering he had no bus person. We had to beg for water refills and timing between his visits and our courses lagged a bit. Dessert - fresh fruit and some cheesecake slices - was as yummy as the rest. Would like to try this again on a weekday night, as the food and drink were AOK, and pricing was reasonable for NYC
(4)Mona T.
I usually don't write reviews, but I had to let everyone know that the food & atmosphere was great! My favorite item on the menu is their PECAN PIE! It is literally the BEST I've ever had in my life and I'd like to say I'm a pecan pie connoisseur!
(5)Paul K.
If this place was good for the Wise Guys than it is good enough of for me. Great steak great salad and great mushrooms.
(5)Heather M.
It's a quintessential steak house, that is for sure. One point for the classic dark wood atmosphere. One more point the steak - my sirloin was perfect. It's really all about the steak anyway, so you can take the rest of this with a grain of salt. One and a half stars for the best Caesar salad that I've ever had. Points off for the sides. Creamed spinach was pretty good, but the potatoes were eh and the mushrooms were bleh. I also did not really care for the baked clams, normally one of my favorite steak house appetizers. The crab meat was pretty awesome, though. Overall, you'll have a nice time, you'll enjoy your steak, but you probably won't be blown away. Next time, Luger's.
(3)H D.
Come to this place with high expectation. Not sure why everyone said this is the best steak place. For me, this is the worst steak i have in my life. The meat (tried all of the meat on the menu) has no taste whatsoever. The sauce and steak just don't mix. The service was good enough so I give this place 2 stars.
(2)Mandy L.
There are so many great steakhouses in NYC, don't bother going to Sparks. Biggest problem was getting the temperature of their steaks right. In our party of 6, most of us complained that the steaks were overdone. My husband's prime sirloin steak came out medium-well when it was supposed to be medium-rare. I asked for medium and I got very well-done. Major points off for that alone. A friend did not finish his filet mignon because it was too salty. My sliced steak, which was really too chewy, also seemed rather heavy on the salt. They also don't have a rib-eye or a porterhouse option on their menu. I also did not appreciate our aloof waiter.
(2)Marc F.
I wish I could give half or quarter stars, because this place is just below 4 stars, and it wouldn't be fair to give this place a mediocre 3 stars. Sparks would deserve a full 4 stars or probably even 5, except the appetizers, sides, and desserts are very mediocre. But you come for the steak, right? And the steak they do very very well. Get the sirloin, don't waste your time on anything else. Judging on the steak alone, Sparks is up there with all the top notch steakhouses (Captial Grille, Wolfgang's, etc.)
(4)Sam J.
A delicious steak in an elegant setting. Professional service. EX-bleeping-PENSIVE.
(4)Michael S.
Eh. Honestly mediocre but a nice old school restaurant. Salad drenched in dressing (which was hardly fresh or particularly good), wines by the glass choices more suited for a middle America chain restaurant and an over cooked and over salted sirloin. One saving grace was a nice and impressive wine list, including half bottles. It was a celebratory meal for my wife which made it more disappointing. It was not a terrible experience but not one that I will rush out to repeat.
(2)Albert B.
What can I say? Sparks remains one of the best steakhouses in New York City. Try the hash brown potatoes. Delicious.
(5)Samantha L.
I really don't know what I can say that hasn't been said in the 200+ reviews for this place. This steakhouse has a very "old boy's club" feel to it. After all the talk of all the mafia dealings that once took place here, I was half expecting a group of mafiosos sitting in the back discussing "business." But alas, no gory shoot outs on the night i went. I wish this place served a rib eye, that's my go to cut of meat whenever I order steak anywhere, but I went with the yelp fellow reviews' suggestion and ordered the sirloin. The BF ordered the filet andfor appetizers we ordered the broiled shrimp and the lump crab with bay scallops. The broiled shrimp was delicious, but for over $20 for 4 shrimp, was a bit too overpriced for my liking. Luckily I had a $200 gift certificate here. Since the steaks come al la carte, we ordered asparagus, spinach and sauteed mushrooms as our sides. Both the steaks and the sides were good, but nothing spectacular, I've had better. I personally like Ruths Chris better, i mean it's got butter on top of the steak people! Service was attentive and friendly. All in all, this is a great place to go if you're not paying.
(3)Anthony V.
Carries on the proud tradition of New York Steak Houses well.
(4)Robert U.
Sparks is an excellent choice in a city full of great choices. Let's focus on the beef. I say get the sirloin. While sirloin is not typically considered the very best cut of beef, it's the way Sparks prepares it that makes it. There are some dry spices, predominantly salt and pepper, I would say, and maybe a bit of melted butter to bind it. The finished product has a nice, light, crusty finish that is just outstanding. (It's not heavy like blackening, but it is maybe one forth of the way there.) Service, as expected, is slightly stiff and serious, but truly professional, in the Manhattan steak house tradition. So don't expect sappy small talk, but do expect to be truly waited on, hand and foot. NOTE TO NON NEW YORKERS: Take some of these reviews with a grain of salt. It's a sport to New Yorkers to never really gush openly about anything. They are great critics and would have to turn in their New Yorker Card if they got too excited about anything!
(5)Troy D.
Went to dinner with a group from work. The food was excellent! There were no complaints. I had the filet which was a generous 13oz. It had a slight char on the outside and rare in the center. We shared the creamed spinach, mushrooms, and the hash browns (highly recommend). We also had a few bottles from their extensive wine list. If you are in NYC I would make it a point to eat at Sparks!
(5)A R.
Delicious food, warm and inviting ambiance, a personal favorite! In a city known for the best restaurants and unlimited options, Sparks is truly one of the greats.
(5)Greg W.
Working off my old review, I have gone back a few more times to Sparks. Consistently an amazing experience. Blows Lugers away. You have got to try this place it really is something special. Get the sirloin, it is out of this world. Don't complain if you order a different steak. You go there for the sirloin, rare or medium rare.
(5)Philip F.
Sparks Steakhouse is a sad joke. If you decide to come here, the joke is on you. We showed up for our 8:30 reservation this past Saturday and were greeted by a mob of angry patrons. Apparently, the restaurant was "at least" 40 minutes to an hour behind on all of their reservations. It was a scene unlike anything I have ever experienced - groups of people were cursing out the maitre d' and storming out of the restaurant. The Sparks staff handled the situation incredibly poorly, nastily barking at patrons seeking information about their reservations. As you would imagine, this atmosphere caused the bar to be completely packed as well. To top things off, the maitre d' refused to take our cell phone number and call us when our table was ready. We wanted to go to a nearby bar to wait things out but were told that if we left, we would lose our spot. Nice customer service. In the end, we decided to leave this dump and go to Bobby Van's instead. Don't bother going here under any circumstances. There are just too many other options in the city that can actually honor a reservation and will treat you with the respect you deserve as a customer.
(1)Chris D.
Simply said, that was my worst steak house experience in New York! Walking in started disappointing, by first being ignored and hardly welcomed by the host. But let's get to the important thing, the food - the meat was not close to our quality or preparation expectations; one of the steaks should have been medium-rare and was badly blackened on one side and the other should have been medium-well and was very well done. The sides were not very tasty and small. Our waiter was unfriendly and not really interested in our needs... he later vanished at all which took his colleagues some time to figure out as it took some time for them to clear the table. Well at that point our mood was so damped that we decided to get out there! And this place is incredible loud.
(1)Sana A.
Took my boyfriend here as a valentines day surprise and we thought it was just ok. They had a nice ambiance and good service. The food was really nothing special. The steak was overcooked on the outside and very rare in the inside. The Chilean sea bass was extremely plain and so rich and buttery that it did not settle well with me at all. Their peach sorbet was excellent, probably the best part of the meal! It was served inside a frozen peach!!
(3)Armen B.
The best steaks anywhere. Service is friendly and this place is packed. Be prepared to wait at the bar.
(5)Aboud Y.
Overrated...clap clap, clap clap clap...Overrated....clap clap, clap clap clap. Really not as great as many people say. Think A-rod as opposed to Jeter (say a place like Peter Luger to complete the analogy). I could give a rats ass that mobsters ate here...sure you get a good piece of meat but it ain't all that and you certainly pay for it.
(3)Samantha R.
Very unpleasant experience. I had a reservation and ended up waiting even though the place was no where near capacity. The server was very condescending in response to every question. Would not return and would not recommend.
(1)Stephen M.
Dear Management of Sparks, Congratulations on losing me as a customer before I'd ever stepped through your door! The utter lack of civility with which I was treated - not once, but twice - on the phone, by two different individuals, when I called to inquire about a Groupon I'd purchased has ensured that not only will you never get paid for that Groupon, but that you will never make a dime off of me. We could have been such good friends, Sparks. You're only about 8 blocks from my office. And though I'd heard very mixed reviews of your steak, I was willing to give you a shot. And to think -- this whole mess could have been avoided if only you didn't have complete assholes answering your phone. When I realized last week that the Groupon to Sparks I'd purchased was actually expired by 4 days, I simply called to see if you would extend the expiration date out of courtesy. I didn't expect much, since I'd read that merchants often lose money on Groupons as it is. But at the same time, I didn't expect a curt reply telling me that my Groupon was no good, promptly followed by the gentleman I spoke with hanging up on me. I waited until the next day to call back, armed with the knowledge (i.e. the fine print on Groupon's website) that even if you would not honor the "promotional" value of the deal ($192), you would still have to honor the amount I paid for the deal ($100). I called back to confirm this was the case, and spoke to a different gentleman within your establishment. Upon asking my question, I was told to "just make a reservation" and that you'd see once I got here if you'd honor the Groupon, and also that "you were sick of all you Groupon people" and that you'd never do a deal with Groupon again. After you hung up the phone, I called Groupon to request my money back, as not only would I not dine in your establishment, but I wanted to make sure that you weren't paid on a Groupon I had no intention of ever redeeming. New York City has so many steakhouses. Thank you for helping me to narrow the list of ones I will consider in the future! Regards, Stephen
(1)Wayne T.
Had the steak fromage and it was perfect, great service and food. Cake bread wine and dessert topped off a great dinner. Highly recommend .
(4)Steven S.
What a waste of time and money. Luckily we had good company to laugh about this place. Ordered their special 'prime' sirloin and got a cut with a thick piece of muscle running thought. Isn't the point of paying $65+ for little piece of meat so you get an aged, tender, 'melts in your mouth' cut? They took it back, brought out a 'better' piece but this time it was red raw. Apparently their medium/medium well is considered charred on the outside and uncooked inside. Cooks in the kitchen need a re-training on how to properly broil steaks. At least their steaks are not as overly salted and over seasoned as Del Fresco's. Don't get me started with them... Never going to this place again and I advice you do the same.
(1)Matt S.
Great steak house and atmosphere. Service was a lil slow but to be expected the day before the superbowl. They sat us 20 minutes before our reservation!! Steak was outstanding and people in my party said the seafood was just as good. Sides were pretty typical and the martinis were chocolatey!!
(4)Thomas J.
I go to Sparks every time I am in NYC. In fact, I take that back - I plan my trip to NYC just so that I can go to Sparks! My Sparks adventure started some years ago when I went completely by accident with some friends. We asked the taxi driver to take us to a nice steak house, and being naive English guys breaking our New York cherry we actually meant something with jugs of beer and fried food - think Hooters (embarrassing or what!) - but he dropped us off here. Now, we were dressed okay - collared shirt, jeans and shoes - but when we got here to say we felt a little under dressed is as big an understatement as saying that Lebron should've won more NBA titles. Anyway, I digress... Instead of walking out we decided to eat, because by this point we could smell the steak in the air and I challenge anyone to be able to resist that smell! When we got seated, any worries about how we were dressed were washed away by a really pleasant waiter who made us feel completely welcome and at home. When we got round to ordering we skipped the starter (appetizer) and went straight onto the main course (entre) because we had already seen the size of the steaks - and trust me - they are about three times the size of steaks in England! The waiter made some good recommendations on the wine which we duly accepted, and this was brought out quickly. The steaks followed - sirloin medium rare - with grilled asparagus and hash browns - and they were so good. Seasoned beautifully with a nice char round the outside of the steak. The only thing I would say is that because the steaks are so big, you may want to go up a level in the way you like it cooked - medium rare was pretty rare. My friends and I left here extremely happy that we went here by accident, and it definitely was the best mistake I've ever made! I have been back four times to this place, and every time the food is as great. On one of the times I was there with my father, and we got talking to the waiter and told him my story about how I had been there before etc. and he turned to me, looked, and said 'Oh yeah, I remember you!'. I bet he didn't, but that kind of warm service helped him get a great tip!
(5)Bryan F.
A little bit of mafia nostalgia and an amazing NY strip steak!!! Creamed spinach, caramelized mushrooms & onions and a glass of cabernet.
(5)Tony W.
I had a wonderful experience @ Spark's last week. The food and service were incredible. I was with a large group and everyone chose something different and all were completely satisfied. I had the swordfish which was perfection. Thanks to all @ Spark's. I will be back for sure.
(5)Dorothy W.
My husband and I enjoyed dinner there last weekend for our anniversary. After reading the reviews I have to admit I was a bit nervous that we would not get what we had hoped for. Without a shadow of a doubt Sparks Steak House was top of the line. The service was amazing, drinks made to perfection, and the steak best we have ever had. The filet was so large and flavorful. I truly cannot believe the reviews that I read before dinning at Sparks. I prefer to embrace in the positives in life and compliment those that deserve praise. Sparks Steak House is indeed of praise. Thank you for the very memorable dinner.
(5)Karyn K.
I've been here several times with my best Irish friend in the world. He is a steak and potato man. So you can imagine, we go around town, hunting for good steak and potato places. You walk into Sparks, and it's definitely a classy old place (think Titanic: Red carpet, chairs with red cushion, waiters in bow and white sleeve shirts, white table cloth, lots of wine around). I like it, don't get me wrong. The wine list is more extensive than the food menu. In fact the wine list is 3 pages long with font size 8 and every space is maximized well. And the menus are oversized like in Serendipidity 3. The food menu on the other hand is one page, Appetizers, Main (Steak or Lobster), Sides. Anyway through the times I've been here, with had variations of steaks - fillet mignon ($44.95), prime shirloin steak, sliced steak with sauteed onions and peppers ($39.95), and lobsters (nom nom by the pound but not too expensive). They are of course, perfectly cooked to your liking and service is great. Not the most prompt service, but definitely pretty efficient. *prices are estimates, around that price Sides are pretty good too - except the hash browns which I think are a little too crispy but the Irish friend loves it. Sides are around $9 - $13 each. Definitely a place to bring the parents too, if they are into steak and have the teeth to nom!
(4)Winston G.
I'm so full from dinner here that I don't even have a desire to eat out again. That never happens to me, but the steak here was really good. Their signature cut is the sirloin, which is a prime cut that runs about $45. I've probably been to five or six steakhouses in the last month (Lugar's, Wolfgang's, Quality Meats, etc) and this was one of the best. The steak was flavorful and perhaps what stood out most was how juicy it was without being bloody (cooked to a medium rare). I asked the waiter how they aged the steaks here but was told that it was a trade secret. One of my colleagues, who's favorite steakhouse is Sparks, told me he once read they do a combination dry and wet age. Well, whatever they do here, the steaks are phenomenal and perfectly cooked. Sides are great (creamed spinach and potatoes). Portions are huge. Overall, service was OK (waiter were nice, but not very on top of the wine pours). Very old school steakhouse feel, which I like when I'm devouring a 18 oz cut of beef.
(5)Nghi L.
Had high hopes for a good steak, even a decent one.. I asked for my sirloin to be medium, but what i got was very burnt.... 3 clams and 2 shrimps $24 o_O... Everything was Ehh.. decor was Ehh.. food Eh... Service was decent... However I can not recommend this place, theres better steaks for less else where.
(2)Lin Y.
Sparks Steak House has a masculine feel and atmosphere. It is conservative and has an old feel to it. I noticed all male waiters and they sure do treat the men different then the women. Coming at different times, Sis' boyfriend got escorted to the table, whereas I was told where the table was and I maneuvered through tables to get there. Either they are used to catering to largely, men or they realize that women have a great sense of direction and don't need anyone to lead them around! There are plenty of dark wood walls and they are heavy on the paintings that adorn them. The paintings have gold trimmed frames behind golden cloth and have museum lights to show them off. Collectively the paintings don't do anything for me as the frames seem dated and detract from the painting, but when I look at them individually they are beautiful. The ceilings don't seem to go with the décor. It is just regular looking drop ceiling with dingy panels with recessed lights and it seems like it was a detail that owners really didn't pay too much attention to. There is an extensive wine list of 2 plus pages of the menu. The menus are giant sized but the actual items for dinner take up only the front page of the menu. Good thing! People with diminishing vision need big menus and big fonts. There are lots of wine bottles in certain areas of the dining area. I didn't care for the design of the plates either, except for the ramekin that held the lemon in it. The waiters are friendly and have a lot of experience. I came here with family. A waiter gave us each a nice crusty warm roll and a plate of pates of butter. I like the taste of the bread. Nice texture on the outside crust and inside. I had the prime sirloin steak medium and sauteed mushrooms as a side. The prime sirloin is $46.50 and the mushrooms $10.95. It is a big, thick cut hunk of meat. My first bite of steak was absolutely the best. Just a moment to savor in total silence. I tasted the fine quality of the beef and the saltiness from the too burnt crust, but as I kept eating, my steak kept getting saltier and saltier and I didn't enjoy it. By half of the steak, I couldn't eat another bite. If I was Nancy Crater from Star Trek's the Man Trap, who is the alien creature who sucks the salt out of you, taking in all this salt would not be a problem for me and wish I could chug down a pitcher of water or sweet tea. I had to use the bread, mushrooms, and tiny spoonfuls of creamed mushrooms in between bites of steak so I could cut the saltiness of the steak and provide some balance to the meal. I like to season my own steak, and having it already heavily salted is not my ideal piece of meat. The cream of spinach which was also $10.95 was just that. Cream with spinach cooked down, nothing special to it. The sliced mushrooms were sautéed white button mushrooms. The sides are where Sparks makes serious money from. It was a small plate and totally not worth the money. The only positive is, without the mushrooms I would have been doomed and I would have had to stick my tongue in the glass of water. Sis had the salmon at $35.95, which was a huge portion and I had a taste. Again it was salty and fishy and I didn't care for it and I love salmon. Mom had the Filet Mignon medium rare. It was softer and more tender than my sirloin, as it should be but because it was medium rare I didn't care for the texture of the rare meat and I could taste the salt on her steak as well. Mom said she tasted meaty gaminess to it. Sis' boyfriend had the sirloin and for starters a custom made appetizer of bed of tomatoes, on top asparagus and then blue cheese with black pepper. He ate all of that up and the steak and I was amazed, he must be related to the alien Nancy Crater. He said that was the best steak he had. Yes the place is comfortable and service is good, but don't over salt my steak. I want to taste the sweetness of the meat not cover it in a too burnt salt crust. When I came home, I ran for some watermelon and even that couldn't cleanse my palate. I then went for some sweet jello. The next day, I was still suffering from too much salt on my palate.
(2)Wendy L.
Was quite disappointed this time as they really overcooked my steak to the point that medium rare tasted like well-done steak with burnt sides. didn't have time to have them send another one, the service was kinda slow this time also.
(3)Paul S.
Came here for the first time after a subpar meal at Peter Luger's a few months earlier and was very satisfied. For the appetizer I had the bay scallops and lump crab meat. For the entree I got the Prime Sirloin and the outside was charred perfect and the inside was juicy and cooked to medium well perfection. Got the creamed spinach which had a good amount of garlic in it and it was delicious. Also had the mushroom caps and liked those as well. My server's name was "Rashid" (spelling?) and he was very friendly and made it a great experience for me. The restaurant was pretty busy but not overly packed; I was impressed by the sheer size of the place. The decor was old fashioned and classic. I had a much better time here and a better steak than Peter Luger's. I will definitely be back!
(5)Eduardo S.
I did a reservation and I waited more than 45 minutes to seat. The attendents werent polite at all. Not recommended
(1)Margaret T.
Good steaks but better LOBSTER!! This place is definitely a "classic steakhouse" in that it's wood, red carpet, and old-white-man themed and the menu prices suggest you came here to celebrate your 6-figure your annual bonus. I wonder how many bottles of $2000 wine they sell... When I came here with friends, I ate like I had tapeworms. I shared a sirloin steak with a friend and ended up eating about 2/3 of a 3 pound lobster on top of that. The steak was well seasoned and cooked medium (slightly more towards medium-well). But the lobster. OH, lobster! So sweet and perfectly cooked. It didn't need lemon or butter or anything. I wanted to take the lobster shell and make jewelery with it so I could have a souvenir of our time together. The time it spent IN MY BELLY!! The sides were also pretty good -- creamed spinach was my favorite. -1 star because they ARE pretty pricey and there was also a spat amongst the waitstaff because we ordered the lobster late and they couldn't decide if we were worthy. Awkwaaaaaaarrrrd...
(4)Jay F.
Let me sum it up: We walked in and the host had a "why are you looking at me?" look. Well, maybe because I'm expecting you to greet me. There seem to be 50 waiters running around at all times but a) we could never find ours, and b) none of them made eye contact with me so that i could ever get any of their attention. I had a diet coke and good service will usually ask me if i need more before i need it. Sat with my glass empty for 10 minutes before i finally found our guy to ask. The filet was poor. Came out way undercooked. Sent it back, came back about 2% more done than before. So I basically ate the edges because I was with a client and didn't want to send it back a third time. Plus there were two major streaks of fat running through it, which is not right for a filet. It's pricey, even for NYC, and the value isn't there. The sides are not impressive in taste or size, yet cost $10-12 for $.50 of food. So many great options in NYC, so not coming back here.
(2)Tommaso S.
Superb! Every time im in NY for work, i come here with clients for a steak. I've been here around 10 times and it has never disappointed. In my opinion the BEST sirloin in NY... and the best steak ive ever had. Beats the crap out of Peter Lugers. I'd advise getting it cooked medium, or medium rare at the most since it's a very large cut of meat, and any rarer than MR it will be likely be cold by the time you get to the last 1/3. The steak is charred to perfection to give it a nice salty crunch, and the meat just melts in the mouth. As for ambience - it's proper old school NY. You can see why it was so popular with the Gambinos back in the day. Waiters with slicked back hair, warmly lit, scenic landscape paintings filling the walls. As a final endorsement, ive been here with an Argentinian mate in the past (and they know steak); begrudgingly he confessed that this was better than anything he'd eaten in the motherland.
(5)chris s.
This just OK "famous" steak house doesn't wow. The steak is OK at an OK price. It's good just not great for a NYC where you have your pick of the best. If your looking for a tender buttery porterhouse or ribeye look for another restaurant. Sides are typical and again just average. The best value is their larger lobsters which a good for the price and fresh. The atmosphere is touristy, and service is good. All in all not worth more than one visit just to say you have been. If your a New Yorker you will know better.
(3)Lauren V.
I honestly would not waste my money here. You're in NY! You can find a hundred different better places. I'd say, on it's best night, this place hits the mediocre level. The inside looks like someone took over a ruby tuesdays, scrubbed the name off the glass dividers, added fancy carpet, and wayyy too many canvas paintings. Highly disappointed when I looked around. After reading their wine menu (which the waiter was barely able to answer questions on) I chose a bottle they didn't have and the waiter just brought us the next one up on the list (I'm sure he was highly qualified to pick. ha.). From interesting wine that I've never encountered to Riesling . . . it was early in the night and I let it slip. Steak. Best part of the night (besides my dress). My fillet was exceptionally large and I loved it's rare center. However, flavor....not the best I've had. The meat itsself was really good but the outside was so burnt that it tasted like straight charred ash. I asked for a sauce. Their sauce . . . not so good. It tasted like the chef got confused between a steak sauce with wine and brown gravy. And they brought me a little jar of A1. REALLY!? A1!? I was just served A1 at what I hoped to be a delicious fine steak house. Mr. Luger would look down at me with shame. My friend got the prime sirloin. That was delicious. They're famous for their aging? And that was a very good steak. As for sides . . . I've had better hashbrowns from a diner. And the creamed spinach is on par with boston market. I don't want steak house spinach from a blender. I want to see some leaves in it! (And I want it to have more flavor.) For desert, my friend had tartuffo. Looked awesome! I just don't like fruit and chocolate. I had the chocolate truffle cake (because I like chocolate with my chocolate) and it was deathly intense but delicious. Good coffee. I only went here because I got a groupon. I would never go again, even at a highly discounted rate. If you're going to spend the money . . . you can definitely find something better.
(2)John R.
This place is, by far, the single most consistent restaurant I have EVER frequented. I have probably been there 30 times and it is great every ... single .... time. Most recently went there to host a party of ten. Service was superb, steaks were perfect (as always) and sides/salads were huge and great. I love Sparks - from the black-coated greeters out front to the waiters who know every wine on the 500 bottle list (don't drink it, but I've seen them in action - uncanny), to the atmosphere, which is loud and kinda old school, I just love it. If I had to have one meal in New York and I had to get it right, this would be the place. I have had better meals for sure, but never have I had anything but a perfect steak from Sparks.
(5)Daniel Y.
We come here for steak nights some times. The positives are that it has more options than simply porterhouse and that steakhouse is one of the New York classics especially with the history that happened just outside of its doors. The negatives is that the service is a notch below other steakhouses in terms of warmness and hospitality and the food solid but nothing really spectacular.
(3)Tamara K.
My favorite steakhouse in NYC and incredib le wine list. The old Italian gangsters knew good food I must say...
(5)John A.
I've been a fan of this place for as long as I can remember and it just never disappoints. It's truly a NYC landmark that can seem a little old fashioned at times, but of course, that just may the best part of the experience. The decor is old world (in a good way) and the service is better than most NY steakhouses. Though they have expanded at some point over the last decade (or two), I'd recommend a reservation on weeknights as it's still a "go to" for corporate dinners and special events. If you don't have one, just be polite to the hosts at the door and they'll usually find a week to get you a table. I've had the Sirloin medium the last four times I've been there (be aware, their version of medium looks a lot like medium rare at most places) and it's truly my favorite steak in the world! The cut of beef is sublime and the flavor always consistently perfect. For sides, I recommend the hash browns. The wine list is possibly one of the largest in NY and the prices seem cheaper than most places. There's a large selection of California as well as French to choose from. The place is a treasure and I'd highly recommend it to anyone who's visiting NY for the first time or who's lived in NY for a lifetime and never gets tired of a great meal.
(5)Mike P.
If there was a picture of steak house in Websters dictionary, it would be the inside of this place. Lots of wood, deep dark carpet, and wine glasses everywhere. The food was terrific and the service great - we had a great dinner there, and have been there for lunch several times as well. Forget the fact that someone says there may be mobsters there - this is NY, they are everywhere and nowhere - enjoy yourself and have a great meal.
(5)Jeremy G.
We've just returned from Sparks and I thought I'd look up some of the previous reviews of this venue. I'm not sure whether there are two different Sparks Steak Houses (one fantastic and one poor) at the same address but I can't see how this place is reviewed so highly. The venue and the food can be described with the same word: DIRE. I noted that previous reviewers had called this a "high end" steak place, that being the case then I think you could also classify Tads Steaks as high end. I know it's all down to personal preference and all that but how anyone could score this more than a maximum of 3 is beyond me. According to Wikipedia this place has an interesting history, 50 cent did an interview there and some mobsters got whacked in 1985. From the look of the place it hadn't been cleaned or refurbished since 1985, it smelt old and the decor is hugely dated, perhaps it's intended to be "retro chic" but it's just a dump. It is clear that this is a venue that is in the tourist guides and is trading on it's name and history. From the accents I would say that most people were either foreign (like myself) or from out of town. So onto the dining "experience" - we started by sharing the $25 crab appetizer. It arrived on dated plates that would have made the stuff in my grandmother's place look new. The plate looked .. unappetising complete with dodgy looking meat made nice and crunchy by sharp pieces of crab shell served on a limp lettuce leaf. It was served with cocktail sauce that was remarkable in the fact that it was totally unremarkable. Neither of us was impressed. Onto the steak. We ordered a fillet mignon and a sirloin steak. The first thing you notice is the size of the steak, much larger than other places. The fillet was a little odd in that it seemed to have lines of fat running through it. In my opinion it was seasoned well but was certainly not cooked as requested. I wanted it medium well but I'd say it turned up as a medium. I rarely send food back as I know it'll probably come back from the kitchen with the chef's "special sauce". The sirloin was a little too charred and detracted from the taste of the meat. The plates were not hot and neither were the steaks. For sides we ordered a baked potato which was small and fell apart when handled, it was also not hot enough to melt the butter I put on it. Exceptionally poor value for $9. The creamed spinach was also warm rather than hot and for $11 I was expecting a bucket of it but was surprised when it turned up in a small dish. The service wasn't good and it wasn't bad, it was passable. Drink refills were patchy. In summary, when I see great reviews for a place that is clearly totally over rated I begin to lose faith in review sites like Yelp. The other steak places we have sampled in NY are streets ahead of Sparks and far less expensive.
(2)Irena L.
We came for date night and ordered filet mignon (med.) and porter house steak (med. rare) as well as the cream spinach and sautéed mushrooms. Steaks were prepared as ordered and sides were delicious! The staff was professional and pleasant (from the bar tender to the host to the waiter and everyone in between). The service was exceptional! This will probably be our go-to place for future date nights.
(5)Steve G.
(2.75 stars) Two events, and a lot of "spin," transformed an above average steakhouse into a noteworthy dining destination: a Gotti mob rub-out on the premises, and the proclamation by one of NYC's more dubious newspapers of "best-in-city" status. Both events were in the early 70's, and little has changed. Sparks is capable of producing a top-shelf steakhouse experience. The lack of quality assurance-- in both sides of the house-- makes this a 50-50 proposition, at best. Three factors work against this approach: (a) their steak prices are 10% over the going rate of the top-shelf NYC spots, (b) their pretentious, self-congratulatory attitudes (more to follow) don't win them fans, and (c) there are at least a dozen legendary NYC steakhouses able to reliable deliver excellence for less $$. When I dine in a nice restaurant I'm polite, generally agreeable and very slow to send a dish back to the kitchen. I save my critique for Yelp, and try to enjoy the experience painted by the restaurant. While I'm not sensitive toward a more regimented service approach, I do expect respect, consistency and efficiency to be the result. Sparks' wait staff has the demonstrated potential to be no-nonsense and cold, yet sometimes has trouble checking-in on their tables, replacing a dropped fork or restraining contentious attitudes. For a restaurant in this price strata, these flaws are miles beyond unacceptable-- even as a 50-50 likelihood. Further, there is a palpable air of service staff expecting a generous gratuity every time they lift a finger to do their job. Their steaks are very good, particularly the strip sirloins, but not great. The kitchen has difficulty evenly searing both sides of the steak. Further, their idea of mid-rare seems to be fifteen seconds beyond "blue" (raw)-- expediency, rather than skill or efficiency. The sides I've had have each been critically flawed; watery creamed spinach and very salty potato and bacon hash. Portions are small for the price, not necessarily a tragedy, given their quality. Like Palm, Sparks' fish and seafood are much better than their steaks. This is, however, a steakhouse which does time their service to a leisurely business lunch/dinner standard, and not a name that often comes up when fish is suggested. I know that many people love and defend Sparks, and I can only conclude that the law of averages has spared them from just how off-putting the place can be. Not being among the fortunate few, I regard Sparks as an over-hyped third-tier NYC steakhouse. I sincerely wish I that could state otherwise in good conscience.
(2)Chad T.
Spark's feels like you're walking into an old high-end restaurant in a mobster-run Vegas casino. The waitstaff is gruff and no-nonsense, but this place definitely knows how to churn out large volumes of high-end hunks of meat. Great starts with the crab and scallops, decent caesar salad, and really excellent creamed spinach. However, my "rare" steak was actually much closer to medium-rare. Other than that it was a fun boy's night out... but guys listen to me.... please don't bring a date here.
(4)Charles J.
Sparks is a traditional NYC iconic steakhouse for many reasons. It has history, it has ambiance, the service is always impeccable, and the food is first rate. Despite a lot of seafood entries, if you know what and how to order from the menu you can easily have a time honored NYC steakhouse meal, from soup to nuts, complete with top shelf wines from all over the world. I'm a New Yorker and for a time lived on East 50th Street. I had choices within walking distance of many great steakhouses including Palm and Smith & Wollensky. I frequently chose Sparks when I wanted to impress a client, celebrate a family birthday, or simply charm the pants off of a date. If you're dining by yourself, don't forget to add a Roquefort topping to your favorite cut. It's to die for.
(5)David J.
The standard by which other Manhattan steak houses are measured. The sirloin is off the charts. One of the most flavorful steaks you will ever eat. Veal chop, filet, sliced steak -- all a perfect 10. Don't miss the baked clams. Service is perfect, food is perfect. Probably the best staff in the business. If you want steak in Manhattan, this is the place.
(5)Raider J.
Ever since I was told that a Mafia Mobster wa killed outsdide Sparks, I have always wanted to eat here. I arrived tonight with a few of my business partners. When we got seated, you could smell the suits in the restaurant.......all business men and maybe a few mobsters in the place. The restaurant looks like a man's steakhouse.....with darks woods plenty of meat, wine and cigars all around. I normally order the rib-eye steak.....but at Sparks'...the best slab of meat is their prime sirloin.....so we orded sirloin steaks, hashbrowns, creamed spinach and mushrooms. One of our partners ordered the sea bass. The sirloin steaks were prepared perfectly with a perfect blend of meat and marbling. My partner's sea bass was huge and also prepared perfectly. The hash browns are prepared just like Luger's german potatoes, diced and very crispy. The sides of creamed spinach and mushrooms were perfect. For desert we had their mixed berries romanoff.......a bowl of berries mixed with whipped cream, ice cream and grand marnier.......a very refreshing dish. Overall, it was a great NY steak meal.......I will be back!
(5)Eva G.
Between the three of us, we shared: -a filet mignon and a prime sirloin steak: we ordered them medium rare, and they were very dry and tough; they were tendonus and hard to cut into pieces. I can only say that the grilled surface was the tastiest, due to it being lightly salted. The meat gets cold fast, since it's not served on a flaming hot plate. They give you bearnaise and hollandaise sauce on the side if you ask. -the lobster tails and broiled shrimp: the lobster was crisp and alright, but the shrimp suffered from being overly salted. -sauteed spinach: we got this because the creamed spinach on Yelp looks like pureed baby food. Nothing out of the ordinary. -mushroom caps: the mushrooms were great, but the overgenerous sprinkling of sea salt on top killed it. -hash brown potatoes: this was, in my and others' opinions, the best dish we got. Not the hash browns you get at McDonald's, they're more like country style potatoes. This one was not too salty. Even at 6pm on a Friday, when it was fairly empty empty inside, service was spotty and it took a while to get the check. I will resort back to Peter Luger's for my steak and sides (Also, Sparks does NOT have any hot fudge sundae).
(2)Tom K.
As we exited our taxi on Friday night, deposited in front of Sparks Steak House, I felt like I was reliving the final steps of mafia Gambino gang boss Paul Castellano. Almost 25 years ago, he stepped out of his car en route to dinner and was gunned down by the minions of John Gotti. The tragedy of Paul Castellano is that he didn't even have a chance to feast-- the least Gotti could have done was let the man have his steak, exit and then proceed to whack him. I suppose that's why I'm not in the mafia. Anyway, Sparks Steak House has been associated with that notorious incident ever since and it's part of the historical fabric of things. So is top quality meat and an extraordinary wine selection. Why the name Sparks though? Was this a joint venture of Edison and Tesla? Former location of a ConEd station? No and no. Apparently two Italian brothers, the Cettas, bought an old pub named Sparks run by Don Sparks, on 18th Street in 1966. From pub to steakhouse and a move to midtown in 1977, with an expansion in 1997 brings us to modern times. While Sparks' history doesn't go as far back as Delmonico's, it's a NYC institution in its own right, with a wine menu that is as voluminous as the phone book. I almost felt a pang of guilt for not ordering any wine whatsoever but was quickly relieved by another sip of my perfectly executed sidecar. Cocktails are just one reason to come to Sparks. Lobster is another. A lot of lobster, try 3.5 lbs. Three people were able to share the oversized crustacean, each of us receiving ample amount of meat. As the larger than life lobster is wheeled out, an army of Sparks staff swarms on it,armed to the teeth with lobster meat removal tools. Crack this, crack that, these are the professionals. All you have to do is sit back, watch, enjoy the show and then dip your lobster meat into the butter. Moving on to the beefy matters,the fillet was shared by me and my friend. Delicious, tender, pink and so easy to eat. Sides of creamed spinach and hash browns supplemented the steak but they easily stood on their own for top taste too. Somehow we had room left for dessert and my wife and I shared an order of strawberries romanoff. Creamy, with a hint of Grand Marnier, this was the perfect ending to a massively good meal. Be sure to watch the artistry of table cloth changing between one's main and dessert. The staff was friendly, professional and quite knowledgeable about matters of the sacred cow. The crowd was a healthy mix of tourists in jeans and executives in suits. The feel of the place really elevates it into the realm of 5 star ratings-- they take their steak and wine seriously without being pretentious. Sparks, you can truly fly.
(5)Kevin K.
Exceptional New York steakhouse. I ordered a simple caesar salad to start followed by the sirloin steak (NY Strip). The caesar was not bad but nothing out of the ordinary. The steak was fantastic, both the quality of the meat and the preparation. Service was quick, polite and efficient. Tip: ask for the 1/2 bottle wine list. Great selections and priced very fairly. Instead of ordering 750ml bottles, we order several different 1/2 (375ml) bottles of cabernet
(4)JP J.
This is the BEST steakhouse not named Peter Luger's in the world....enough said.
(4)Asuka N.
I came here on a cold December night for a year-end business dinner. I'd heard pretty decent things about Sparks from my colleagues, so I was expecting a very good dinner. After getting some drinks at the bar, we were seated at a large enough table to seat the 12 or so of us that made it out. To be honest, the service was pretty mediocre...perhaps it was because it was a very busy night, but the waiter was next to useless when it came to suggestions on the menu. When I asked what he recommended for sides, he simply shrugged his shoulders and said, "I don't know." Doesn't exactly inspire much confidence... ...and for the appetizers and sides, that's exactly what happened. The baked (or was it fried?) oysters were a moist mess; you could hardly tell there was an oyster inside after getting through the mushy breadcrumbs. The spinach on the side with the steak was also sloppily put together and lacked any sort of flavor or texture. The redeeming part of the meal was the main event; the steak was fantastically prepared, with a nice, crispy outer layer on the filet mignon matched with a juicy, tender center. The wine list was also fantastic, and the selections made by others went very well with the steak. As usual, I drank a little too much for my own good, but it was a good time overall. On the merits of the steak alone, Sparks would get a higher rating. But it's brought down by the mediocre sides and appetizers and the piss-poor service.
(3)Dominic B.
Nice place for an special occasion as it is on the expensive side. However, for NYC steakhouses, i think the menu is on par with the rest. I have been here twice and enjoyed both meals. Both times (2009, dec 2012) i have had a perfect steak and left unbelievably stuffed. I think there menu is a little small and should offer more variety. However, everything is cooked to perfection. Decor is real old school as it probably hasn't changed much in 20 years but still looks really nice. Service is OK but nothing to rave home about. If you come here for an amazing and expensive steak, you will leave extremely satisfied. Anything else, look elsewhere.
(4)Steve D.
Great meal, a few misses but sparks still impresses. We were seated quickly. Service was great, friendly, informative but not pushy. We had baked clams and garlic shrimp which were very good. We had the prime sirloin and filet mignon, creamed spinach, baked potato, mushroom caps and cheese cake. Prime steaks were awesome, filet a tad over done. All sides were delicious. Very well priced wine list with lots of quality wines at prices below typical wine list prices. Found a 97 pt wine that retailed at $100 back in 2005 selling for 140. Minor complaints - bread is below average (wasn't fresh, didn't taste like much) and the cheese cake was dry/over cooked. But that said meal was great and we'll be back.
(4)Vicky A.
was super disappointed....uncooked scallops were served for appetizers and when informed the waiter, the waiter responded that it happens and it is scallops anyways. I don't understand the response that i get ....and the steak was very chewy ...did order a medium rare and got half of the steak medium. DO NOT SPEND YOUR MONEY TO THIS RESTAURANT..go to Peter luger's, Keens or Benjamins for better service and way better food. WHAT A WASTE OF MONEY!!!!!!!
(1)Alex R.
Picture this.. New York, 1985. Sparks Steak House grabs national headlines by being the very establishment where Gambino crime family boss Paul Castellano and underboss Thomas Bilotti were gunned down near its entrance. The hit was under the orders from John Gotti. Now that I've set the scene, imagine my surprise walking up the bar, shortly before my reservation and finding a few suspiciously Gambino looking types at the bar, shooting the breeze also waiting for their table. It was like being on the set of Sopranos in the good ol' days. I was thrilled that they made me 2 perfect grey goose martinis and blue cheese stuffed olives to boot. :) Nicely toasty, my dinner companion finally arrived and we were promptly seated in a corner table. The crowd was a good mix of regulars, power brokers of all sorts (think expensive suits), and a hodge podge of tourists and first timers like me. I came into Sparks with a $200 voucher, courtesy of Groupon, that gave us cart blanche to order pretty much whatever off the menu. We decided to stick with the classics. Broiled Shrimp with butter and Fresh Bufala Mozzarella with tomato for starters. Both good but nothing extraordinary. As a matter of fact, Ive had far better fresh mozzarella and tomato (underripe). Moving on, Sparks is famous for its Prime Sirloin. For almost $50 (same price as Filet) I was expecting a beautifully juicy marbled piece of meat , ordered medium rare. Outside looked perfect, inside was definitely cooked rare and consistency was chewy, almost to the point where I couldnt finish eating my steak. I was a bit surprised actually, considering the price. My companion ordered Steak Fromage which he liked, albeit he likes well done meat, which I cant comprehend, but thats another story. We also got the hash brown potatoes and creamed spinach, both of which I enjoyed more than the star bovine attraction. All-in-all , 4 stars for the "show" and cocktails.. and 3 for the food
(3)Bryce B.
If you like red meat and mobsters, this is the place for you. Sparks Steakhouse is the location where John Gotti's hit on Paul Castellano was carried out. In modern times, the only hit you have to worry about are increased cholesterol levels. Sparks is classic steakhouse in every sense of the word. I recommend starting with a cocktail (really, only a Manhattan or martini will do) at the bar. This will set the proper mood. I have had a number of truly exceptional steaks over the years. While those served at Sparks aren't quite in the upper echelon of top quality bovine I've experienced elsewhere, there is a salty exterior to the steaks that is unique to Sparks. All the standard sides (hash browns, creamed spinach) were as good as any I've eaten. Time honored, old-school service reigns supreme here. While the staff is highly attentive, also expect a certain level of gruffness in the delivery.
(4)Ty D.
I hadn't been to Sparks in several years, but while stranded in New York during the December blizzard, I had an opportunity to visit again. The restaurant is timeless--it still maintains the classic, old school steakhouse feel to perfection, with professional waitstaff and service. But of course, if you're going to a steakhouse, there are really only three things that matter: steak, sides, and alcohol, and Sparks delivers across the board. The filet was out of this world, the hash browns were just as good as I remembered, the wine list is one of the most impressive I have ever encountered, and the bar made one good martini. For a few hours at least, my friend and I forgot about the snow, which was no mean feat. Sparks is definitely one of the best steakhouses in the country.
(4)Stephen F.
I finally went to the legendary Sparks Steakhouse. I got a gift certificate for $200 there, and paid $117 for it, so I was ahead of the game from the start. When I walked in and let them know I had a reservation, they just told me to go sit at the bar and wait for my table. After about 10 minutes of standing around, I decided to stand at the front door so that I could be seen. Sure enough, I got seated quickly after that. Once we sat down, we got our menus right away. This did not make the people next to us happy, as they starting flipping out about how they have not had their order taken. I had a good bottle of wine for a fair price which was great. Not always the case in New York City. Now for the food! We had the baked clams for an appetizer. Pretty good. Not the best I've had, but good never the less. I had the sirloin steak, and she had the filet mignon. I think they mixed up the temperatures for cooking the meats. The filet was huge. So was the sirloin. They were both easily some of the better steaks I have had. The prices for them are not cheap, but I think you get what you pay for here. The steaks were charred on the outside, and juicy on the inside. Just perfect. The sirloin was very very tasty, and the filet was like butter. I recommend either! As for the service. Call it what you want, but I can't stand it when I do not get my water refilled. Even when I asked, it was like the guy was doing me a favor by getting me some more water. This was after he forgot to refill it. I saw other waiters doing it. I would go back though. A real good steak is hard to come by, and for a place that has been around as long as Sparks has, I have to think maybe it was just a bad night.
(3)Pete H.
I had a pretty wonderful meal here recently. The steaks were oh so flavorful. Just big slabs of meat on a plate cooked perfectly. We had the prime sirloin and the filet mignon. The seafood appetizer of scallops and crab meat was simple, unadorned yet lovely. The sides of creamed spinach and homefries were not bad, but not the best I've had. Much to my surprise it was not that touristy for a Friday night. My two gripes: First, the steaks and homefries were really oversalted. Second, (and I realize this could be seen as petty by some) the drop ceiling with hundreds of recessed lights has got to go. It's really ugly and detracts from an otherwise fun old-school New York ambiance.
(4)Hank L.
The only reason a steak should be cold is if you order it rare. I've been to Sparks on three occasions, and each time, I was with a large group (8-12). Two out of those three times, I had the filet mignon. Both of those times, the steak was cooked medium well and cool to the touch because they waited to bring out all the steaks together and mine must have gone on earliest. I would not pay their prices for steaks, ever. Though Ruth's Chris and Morton's are both chains, they both deliver 100% of the time, and if I were going to pay a premium price for a steak, I'd happily go to either of those other places or the Strip House. All of them are on Manhattan (unlike Luger's, which I've always wanted to go to, but never have).
(3)Phil L.
Sparks Steak House, a steak house where mobsters get shot apparently. I came to Sparks after our dinner plans at apotheke were ruined since they didn't respond back. I was excited for steak and we were seated immediately when we arrived for our reservation for two. This restaurant is pretty large and definitely has the old school supper club feel, similar to Club 21 although not as classy. I was a little worried about dress code but showing up in my khakis and polo shirt was fine although there were plenty of suits there. Food: We started off with oysters and clams on the half shell and the prosciutto with melon. People weren't kidding, the oysters were friggen gigantic and I definitely recommend getting them. Nothing bad to say about the seafood and prosciutto since they came from a quality purveyor but no real prep work required to make any of that. Entree included the rack of lamb and a prime sirloin, which we shared between the two of us. On the side we had the hash potatoes and broccoli. This is where things started to go wrong. The first few bites were pretty good, but progressively through the meal the food was simply over salted. There was so much salt in fact that I could see the salt crystals on my meat which I attempted to scrape off with my fork. The steak was perfectly cooked with a big caveat. The kitchen didn't give the steak an appropriate time to rest so when my girlfriend first cut into it the steak looked rare. After resting for a few good minutes, it was at the perfect medium rare pinky goodness that we all love. The steak and lamb was simply fantastic but like I said, far too salty. The hash was the same, way over salted for my liking and I was pretty worried that my arteries were hardening up during the meal. The broccoli was your standard steak house showing, basically minimal preparation cutting that sucker up as little as possible and presenting it on your plate. For desert we were treated to their cheesecake which was prefect. Super light and fluffy, full of flavor, and the raspberry syrup did me in. Probably the best highlight of the meal. Service: Service was impeccable our waiter Rachid was super friendly, attentive, and even spent some time chatting us up. Definitely a man who deserves high marks for the high level of service he provides and there are very few people that are of his caliber. The kitchen was quick and efficient in pushing out food (should be with such simple items as this) however, I will say this again, they over salted the food. Overall: I would give 5 stars for service and 2 1/2 for food. Honestly if they didn't dump the salt shaker onto all of the items it would have been much higher since they were serving up quality cuts of meat and seafood. Since I give more weighting to food (which is why we're all eating out anyways) this is a 3 stars. Definitely not the best (salt, salt, salt, salt) but great cuts of meat to be enjoyed here and excellent service by Rachid.
(3)Jasz J.
What a night!!! Life of feeling like a princess... Its awesome when you walked in and the feeling of being swept away the whole night long... Manager Walter was more than welcoming providing us a table within seconds. We felt like a martini so we headed to the bar first to start of the night... All the gentlemen were awesome at what they do. Seemless setup that makes me feels just being at the right places. Our meal was magnificent. The steak cooked with nice crust and red inside. Creamed spinach and bake potato kept me busy. Our dessert was delighted. Meal was filling with laughter and our wine pair perfectly from kayu. Service was outstanding, and I think we were served by 4 people. What a night... Feeling like such a star walking out.. Love the energy and of course, the meal pair well. Life is wonderful!!
(4)Tony T.
Came with a large group here and had a set menu. The bread was cold and the butter was hard and cold. But you don't come to a steakhouse for the bread. The tomato and mozzarella was ok, but beefsteak tomatoes should be heartier than the ones Sparks serves. The mixed green salad had enough dressing to coat the greens but not too much that you felt it overwhelmed the whole balance. The waiters warned me that the meat would be slightly undercooked. I ordered filet mignon medium, and it came out medium rare (which was what I was going to order anyway). The meat was warm but red in the middle, which is how I like it. Make sure you tell the waiter how you want your steak or else it could come out undercooked. The veal chop was very thick and had a good sear on the outside but was a little too fatty for my taste. The sides we got were spinach and hash browns. The spinach did not have enough salt (this was not the creamed spinach) but the has browns were the best thing on the menu. They had a nice crunch on the outside but were creamy on the inside. The waiters are pretty pleasant, unlike at some other steakhouses in New York. The decor in Sparks is definitely old time New York steakhouse and it is pretty big for a steakhouse in Manhattan. All in all this is a nice place to have a steak.
(3)Joyce K.
+ Their service was very good... attentive wait staff. - The establishment, however, begs for an upgrade or interior decorator or something! I was a bit disappointed at the look of their bathrooms and restaurant in general. Def not $$$$ worthy ambiance...
(3)Keiko S.
Here we go again...more MEAT. Although I would've much rather spent the same $ on sushi, Sparks did not disappoint. FOOD: * First, the appetizers. We got the spinach, mushroom caps and baked potatoes. I would definitely order the mushroom caps again. Sooo buttery and flavorful! * I'm not a steak person...Whenever I eat it, I end up feeling sick in the stomach for a few hours. BUT the thick slab of medium rare fillet mignon left me comfortably full without any adverse side effect. It was lean, but tender and meaty. I think I can do this again! * The prime sirloin got mixed reviews at our table. We got two exact same orders (medium rare), but one was clearly better seasoned than the other, even juicier. And one was almost well done while the other was barely passable for medium rare...we had to send the former back to the kitchen. * Had to skip the wine this time...boo hoo. Next time I'll either bring more people who can drink with me, OR drink the whole bottle myself. The latter is more likely. SERVICE & SETTING: Slow and somewhat condescending, but much nicer than the guys at Peter Lugers. The room is nicely spacious and unpretentious, and can accommodate any occasion. SUM: Very good food, but probably not the best in town. I shall go check out the other steakhouses in this vicinity (boy, there are many), but let me go eat some toro first...
(4)Greg L.
Old spot that doesn't seem to have change since it was known to be one of the best steakhouse in NY. Went there for lunch on a Monday and place was empty, only our table and another one. Meat was ok. Service was ok too. Don't plan to come back.
(2)Brian M.
The steak just wasn't good. So while I see the points some are making below about the dinner plates, the services, the prices, the decor, etc., for me its really simple -- the steaks at Sparks are not at the top-tier level like the best steakhouses in NY. Unlike Eva G., mine was ordered medium and came so undercooked that my wife and I lost our appetites (this for a guy who usually goes medium rare). It was pretty shocking. I could say more about other aspects but what's the point. It's a steakhouse and the steaks were just not good. Too many better options at the a similar price point.
(1)Thomas M.
The steak and service were excellent. Wait staff was very courteous. Very classy atmosphere. I will definitely come back when in NYC
(4)Manzar R.
For a pretty well known steakhouse in midtown I thought my steak(filet) was cooked the way I wanted it(medium well). Although the filet was stated to be 16 oz and was a pretty big piece of meat, it didn't look like a typical cut. Hmmm? They said they undercook but I would disagree and say they overcook if anything. I thought flavor overall was very good as were the sides. One glaring weakness is their service. Extremely slow! Also, desserts are overpriced.
(4)Victor G.
This was the first time that I got a chance to eat here, while my wife would come here with her dad as he would discuss business with his clients. She raved about the place and since Groupon was offering a gift certificate of $194 for $100, I figured it would a good opportunity. We went this past Saturday and there appears to be NO dress code on the weekends (the waiter explained it was mostly tourists who came on the weekends) and I wonder if the quality drops for the tourists as well. My wife and I started with a lobster tail (small for $20 and lobsters are supposed to be cheap this year) and an appetizer of crabmeat and bay scallops. It was good. I'm not a seafood person but I found the appetizers tasty. We each had the sirloin and I thought mine was very good. There was a serious sear on the outside, but the inside was cooked right. We ordered Asparagus and home fries (yes, home fries) and they were good as well. I was surprised at how much I liked the home fries. It must be the butter. Dessert was the mixed berries Romanoff, which was berries mixed with a cream made fom whipped cream, ice cream and Grand Marnier. It was interesting and my wife enjoyed it with her coffee. We had spend the full $194 and since we don't drink alcohol we had to figure out how to spend it. I found the decor something out of a 1970's and the overall impression was that this place was a bit overrated. Without the Groupon, I wouldn't come here for dinner. Old Homestead is better, as well as Luger's, but better than all, for now, was Ben & Jack's for the steak. We're going back one more time and we might try a couple of different appetizers and skip dessert and coffee for a third entree. Steaks reheat really well. The three stars is for the fact that everything is WAY overpriced. The decor is for 65 and over crowd. Way too many places in NY for a meal just as good or better for less than what they charge.
(3)Alan Z.
The staff seemed very patronizing like they are doing you a favor by re-filling your water and bringing out your food. My waiter stop by to take our order, then I never saw him again until after we finished our steak and ran out of water. I had to call him over to re-fill the water. The sirloin steak was disappointing. It was cooked well, but lacked any taste. Won' t be going back for sure. Bunch of old-school Italians at the front of the house, bunch of eastern Europeans in the back.
(1)Azuree M.
My hubby and I went to celebrate his birthday. The waiter was nice and the seating was fast (we had a reservatiion) even though the place was packed. The appetizers were good, I had baked clams and hubby had the hot appetizer of lump crab and scallops, both were good. Now on to the not so good part, the portions were smaller than expected (we NEVER finish the sides when we go to steakhouses) and I found them salty. Their signature steak was good and well prepared according to hubby but my steak frommage was disappointing. Though I LOVE BLUE CHEESE, the steak had no flavor not an ounce of seasoning ( I mean like salt or pepper, nothing fancy) and the cut was just blah. The dessert was good, try the tartufo. We won't be back.
(2)Clifford R.
Honestly, my visit to sparks was a bit of a mind-trip. On one hand you have waiters in tuxes, gorgeous (if outdated) wood and velvet décor; and on the other hand you have fat mid-western tourists in shorts and fanny-packs eating dinner, and wannabe Mafioso douches from NJ at the bar. For all the fame that has come about due to the Castellano hit, it's full of tourists. Good for them if it keeps the doors open, but I probably won't be coming back. The menu was uninspired, and the food OK. Nothing special about it, save for the gigantic portion size. In a city full of steakhouses, Sparks just doesn't cut it.
(2)MeikaiLani K.
Finally was able to experience Sparks Steak House.......made my reservation in 2 weeks....since the last time I was in New York, they were booked. For dinner, I started with the "Lump Crab" appetizer & Oysters on the Half Shell. I recommend Atlantic Oysters....my favorite, Prince Edward Island Oysters...... Then to the entree of Chilean Sea Bass... Everything absolutely Delicious. ....and for the wine lover, a vast selection of award winning wines......Dry white wine.....A Chardonnay wine or even a Riesling wine works...... My next trip to NY, Sparks will definitely be on the itinerary.......
(5)Matt D.
My cousin suggested we eat here while I was in town for business and what a great choice it was. First of all, the servers were all very professional and made you feel as if you were back in the 1930s. We started with the prosciutto melon which I hadn't had before but ended up going together. We also have the tomato and mozzarella which fresh basil leaves. We then moved on to the main course which consisted of one of the best Sirloins I have ever had. Slightly charred on the edge with a very flavorful taste the center was cooked exactly how I asked. Once I got near the middle I had to send it back for another minute on the grill but once that was done, it was just like the first bite. All in all I spent around $100 on my meal which included 3 beers, 2 split appetizers, a side of potatoes and the most expensive steak and I don't regret any of it.
(5)Alex C.
There is no recession at Sparks maybe that explains why the service was some of the worst I have ever experienced. No rib eyes on the menu and my medium steak was cooked well done. When I said something to the waiter he mumbled in Italian "what do you want me to do about it"? Obviously a NY institution worth visiting for tourists, but you can find better beef that is easier on the wallet.
(2)Thalia M.
I should have ordered the sirloin. But to order the same thing that someone else at the table has already ordered is simply unacceptable so I had to go with something else. Something else ended up being steak fromage which under any and all other circumstances would have been a stellar steak experience, except when sampled side by side with the king of Sparks's steaks -- the sirloin. For the sake of having a balanced meal we offset our large slabs of cow with the fresh mozzarella and tomato (so fresh!), broccoli sauteed in garlic and evoo (should have been warmer), and hash brown potatoes (slow carb diet be damned). Gluttons that we are, we couldn't finish our food, but I am happy to report that the leftover steak was still fabulous the next day, and the day after that.
(4)Jim K.
I've been coming to Sparks since 1978. Now that I do business in NY I have more opportunities to eat in one of the best Steak Houses in the world. Had dinner here on 9/12/11 with a business associate. I had the usual sirloin with a baked potato. Great piece of meat cooked perfectly. The atmosphere is masculine with heavy, dark wood. The wait staff is old school professional. Waiting tables is their job vs a college student for whom it is a stepping stone. Steaks are the best I've had and consistently so. Sides are sized to share with at least one or two people. Make sure to save room for desert. They clear the table after dinner and, while you're talking & relaxing, magically put fresh linens on the table in a highly choreographed way. Very classy. Take a close look at their Tartufo. First time I had it was here and it is excellent, delicious and simple. Share it with a date or your wife and argue over who gets the cherry in the middle! Prices are high but as I often say, "I never complain about the price as long as everything is right". After 33 years, I have no complaints about Sparks. One additional comment. Come nicely dressed. With the economy what it is restaurants are forced to seat people who would feel more at home at a ball game which diminishes the experience of those who are dressed and conduct themselves appropriately.
(5)James L.
If I was on death row and had one final meal request, I would request a medium rare Prime Sirloin from Sparks. I can say without hyperbole and without hesitation that Sparks has the best STEAK in NYC and Prime Sirloin be thy name. As a bonus they also sport the most comprehensive and incredible wine list I have ever seen. I'm not going to get into the service, appetizers, sides or the atmosphere, they are irrelevant to this review. Simply put, you will not find a better tasting steak in New York City...maybe anywhere.
(5)Tony L.
My experience at Sparks was much more memorable due to the company at the time as opposed to the restaurant itself. The occasion was a celebratory dinner with one of my buddies originally from Queens along with some of his closest buddies as well as his parents; we had a fairly large group for our reservation. The ambiance resembles something out of a Ian McEwan novel, full of dark and dreary nostalgia, the perfect setting for a mob of gangsters to plan their next hit (true story?). Although quite spacious, the main dining area can also seem rather stuffy and claustrophobic, especially on busier nights when the noise level is increased. The menu consists of your usual run-of-the-mill cuts of steak, and I usually go with the filet mignon. The quality of the steaks were good and the sides were plentiful and satisfying. Out of the sides, the mushroom buttons and the creamed spinach were my favorites. One thing that did stand out was the wine selection, especially the bottles of wine that my friend had ordered. I remember it being the perfect pairing for my steak that night, my only regret is that I can't recall where it came from... Although the dinner service was generally competent, actually getting seated on time was a challenge regardless of the fact we had reservations. This seems to be a general theme after reading some of the other reviews.
(3)Karin G.
Sparks is my dad's most memorable experiences in NYC! I brought the fam here because, well, its Sparks! He loved it and tells the story again and again. He especially likes to share that this was the most money he has ever spent on food in his entire life... the bill was 472.85 for four! I am quite sure I'll be hearing that number for the rest of my life... Food was great, steaks are perfect, wine list is awesome. Yes, its pricey, but just what you would expect. Bring your Dad here when he's paying!
(4)Vincent R.
Sparks is an institution. Big Paulie was whacked by John Gotti's Crew as he stepped out of his limo and onto the street for a nice juicy sSteak. Paulie never made it. Though the Steak is good, it's far from being great. I'd rather eat one of my Steaks if I'm in The Mood for The Best Steak in New York, and That's a STEAK That "I Cook" ... I'll Blow Sparks Out of The Water, any-day-of-the-week .. No Contest, No Kidding!
(4)Jeanee' B.
I absolutely love this place! Great service and wine selection! Lots of handsome Italian waiters to look at as well! Overall menu is delicious!
(4)Alexandria B.
Seriously good food. The service was fine (above average compared to other restaurants, but in the league of old school steak houses, about right) and the atmosphere was as expected (yay rich people and the scent of old school swag) and the food was on point. As with other steak houses, the only reason this doesn't get that coveted fifth star IS the fact that the place is teeming with the typical steak house crowd... I understand that these places were made to cater to them, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.
(4)Michael G.
Juicy, delicious steaks. A bit pricey but worth it.
(4)Rabbit B.
Just wanted to stop here to give props to the bartending staff. We didn't have time for dinner because we were on our way to a show but just stopped in for a drink. The experience was wonderful. Our bartender was fabulous--professional, friendly and efficient. We couldn't have asked for anyone better to take care of us. As for the atmosphere, it's old school upscale Italian and really lovely. Very quintessential New York City. We'll definitely return and try it for lunch or dinner sometime soon.
(5)Lisa R.
The only thing I knew about Sparks before I came here the other day was that this was the site where Paul Castellano got shot (that darn John Gotti!). Family friends took us out here for a holiday dinner since they are regulars and are familiar with the menu and staff. I was impressed with this restaurant from start to finish. The service was impeccable, the food was delicious, the wine list was enormous, and the desserts were unique. Everyone had the sirloin steak with the exception of me, I had the Chilean sea bass. All of us were satisfied with our meals. The Chilean sea bass was flaky and tasty, and all they did was grill the fish, plain and simple with no topping. The menu is organized as a la carte, so we ordered a bunch of salads and sides and shared them all. All of the salads had the house dressing; it was obviously homemade and had the right combination of salty and sweet. The sides were the standard steakhouse fare: creamed spinach, potatoes, and other basic vegetable combinations. I ended my meal with a mango sorbet. It was enveloped in its own skin, so I thought that was a luxurious touch. The only reason why I listed this restaurant as four stars opposed to five is the price. As Adam Platt mentioned in his annual restaurant ranking issue for New York Magazine, "it's a worthy stalwart, if you're on a pre-recession expense account."
(4)R.B. D.
Great cuts of flavorful meat cooked to perfection. This old guard steakhouse still deliversgreat food in a masculine yet refined setting. Prices are not cheap, but still within reason, especially for the quality of meat you get. I've been to far more expensive steakhouses that didn't deliver nearly as good food. The sides are qood and substantial if not predictable. The wine list is extensive and a good quality wine can be found without having to mortgage the co-op. The service is pleasant and attentive, not at all gruff and boorish as I've experienced at other places. If you have an expense account, this is a great place to put it to use!
(4)Pete C.
Im not usually a sirloin steak fan but at sparks its amazing! Ordered a medium rare sirloin and received one of the best steaks ever. Well seared on the outside with a creamy interior. Perfect! The side dishes were good but the steak stands as one of the best.
(5)John M.
Alongside Keens, this is one of my favourite restaurants. The meat is pretty much the same as other high quality steakhouses in the city, so these places stand out on the basis of service. Both at the bar and at the table, service was excellent.
(5)Felix Z.
I had friends from Asia visiting New York for the first time and I wanted to take them to a place that represents the American experience. That place is Spark's, which defines how steak is done for me. Other reviewers complained that it is not extraordinary. If you are looking for avant-garde, this is not the place for you but if you want something reliable and good, you can't do better than Spark's. I didn't have reservations but it was a Monday night. I walked in with two friends and was promptly seated. The service was acceptable. They refilled your water, wiped the table and gave you bread but nothing extraordinary. I like it that way because it matched with the no-nonsense atmosphere of the place. Here is the best part. We ordered three sirloin, their signature dishes along with sides. Their steaks were big (welcome to America my Asian friends) and their sides smaller but delicious. The focus was on the steak, which i appreciated. It is amazing how many places screw up steak. At Spark's it is perfect. My medium rare look redder than my friends' mediums. At some other places, they look exactly the same. Not at Spark's. It was juicy and tender. Every bite was like eating butter. The portions were so big that I couldn't finish. We might be in a bad economy but they weren't shrinking the portion size. We ordered a bottle of wine. The wine list was extensive and the prices reasonable. There wasn't any upselling. I chose a burgundy because my friends can't handle wines that balance out the steak and so they can taste the steak better. No complaining from the server that I wasn't picking something perfect with my steak; they gave me exactly what I wanted. Overall, my friends really enjoyed their steak and it was a good welcome to America. Thank you Spark's for making me look good for my guests.
(5)susan c.
There are better steakhouses in NYC - don't waste your time or money on this one. Terrible service - totally disorganized! We made a 10person reservation for dinner on Open Table. Our party waited more than 70minutes and eventually gave up since there was no hope of seating in sight - this despite my having called 2 hours prior to reconfirm and being told everything was fine.
(1)Wonjae Y.
It's still great, but five stars assumes that I think that this is the best restaurant in NYC, and I can't say that anymore. I like Wolfgang's (and all the Peter Luger spin offs) better than Sparks now. To me, the porterhouse at Wolfgang's simply tastes better.
(4)Brett J.
Horrible food, could care less about their customers .Went there tonight for my birthday dinner with my family. The meat was tough really hard to chew and after 5 or 6 bites I gave up on the sirloin. My son had another steak dish and his was hard to chew as well.The crab scallop appetizer had crab shelll in almost every bite not terrible but not worth spitting out crab shell. Not once did a manager or the server come to ask how the food was. At $50 a plate that is unacceptable When the server was told about the food he told me I should talk to the manager. I said OK please get him. After several times of being told he was coming but is on the phone I just payed the bill and left .Too many really good steakhouses around to waste time and a lot of money on sparks Really disappointing.
(1)Jeff S.
We went to Sparks a few days back. Zagat rates it as one of the better steakhouses in New York, so I was very excited to go. We were seated pretty quickly, and the place was fairly packed. The ambiance was good for a steakhouse, however a bit too bright for my taste. Still, it was a very nice dining room. The service from the waitstaff was clumsy and oafish. After being seated, it took too long to get menus, and also too long for him to come back and take our order. When I say too long, I mean it was noticeable; we sat there and wondered when we'd get menus and when those finally showed up, when we'd be able to place our orders. In the course of the meal, the waiter managed to spill a drink while changing a tablecloth, knock over jackets, and forget one of our entrees. Additionally, the matre'd was a typical smarmy steakhouse douche. He actually made a few inappropriate comments to the women in our party. That bothered me, but I chalk it up to poor hiring on the part of Sparks management. Final word on the staff there, very poor all around. Down to the food: I got a prime sirloin and the ladies in our party got the Chilean Sea Bass. We also got mushroom caps and baked potatoes. The steak was massive, probably the biggest I've had in a steakhouse. It was served off the bone, and with a minimal amount of fat. Great piece of meat! Unfortunately, it came our very rare rather than medium rare as I ordered. I was hesitant to send it back for extra cooking fearing it would be overdone, but it was fine (though still on the rare side). I should note that the outside was a bit over charred, though not to the detriment of the steak. The texture of the meat was spectacular, and overall, it was indeed a great steak! The Chilean Sea Bass was delicious, it had a nice crust on it and was flaky and flavorful...and HUGE! Those who got it recommend that this be shared, as it's a heap for one person. The sides were basic and overpriced. I have to say, the little things here really take away from the overall experience, and for me, lower the rating. First, the bathrooms suck! When you go it's like you left Sparks and wound up in a Hooter's bathroom, complete with piss and used towels on the floor and graffiti on the doors. Also, the flatware was noticeably worn, in particular, my steak knife was dull. Regarding the pricing, I'm sure you can guess; $45 for a steak, $40 for fish, apps were like $20, and sides about $10. A little on the high side in my opinion for what you get. I know steakhouses tend to be on the high side, but really, how the hell do you charge $10 for 1 potato? I hate price gouging. In the end, it's a competent steakhouse, but there's far better. Del Friso's buries these guys, and nearly every other steakhouse I've been to has done a better job (other than BLT Prime which sucked a monkeys ass). I probably won't go back to Sparks, but perhaps it's worth a try if you want to experiment with New York steakhouses. I gave it 3 stars, but it's really more like a 2.5.
(3)Zebra G.
This restaurant is amazing. It sets the tone right as you walk in. The Italian Accents, the New Yorkan accents. The history at this restaurant is also intriguing. My boyfriend and I reserved a table on Yelp, which was done without a problem. We were greeted and seated right away. We had their house Merlot which was delicioius. My boyfriend ordered the Prime Sirloin Steak and baked potatoe and I ordered the Halibut and Aspargus. They de-boned the halibut right in front of me which was awesome. The food was beyond delicious, I would go over and over again to this Steakhouse! Our waiter was very attentive, and other waiters also attended us and were very friendly.
(5)Scott T.
stopped by for dinner on the recommendation of my good friend, SAM ALEXANDER. inside looks like a movie set -- i doubt SPARKS has changed much in the nearly fifty years since they opened. the place has a seriously old-world, masculine vibe and you gotta dress the part. we arrived after a long day with the attorneys and were still in suits. fortunately i didn't get a chance to change into my typical dining attire, NAT NAST silk shirt, faded 501 LEVIS and COSTCO court shoes. would have been a bit out of place. this is definitely an old-boy's-club steakhouse. i half expected the table of kingmakers at the table next to us to fire up CUBANs as they sipped their after-dinner cognacs. started with a world-class martini that took the edge off an otherwise brutal day and settled comfortably into my chair, ready for a perfect dinner -- i was not disappointed. am partial to bone-in, dry aged ribeyes but that's not SPARKS. settled on the STEAK FROMAGE (another SAM recommendation), a wet-aged sirloin cooked to a perfect medium rare and nestled beneath a blanket of melted roquefort. nice crust, well-seasoned, a melt in your mouth steak that paired perfectly with a STAGLIN FAMILY CAB from their extensive wine selection. now, where's that COHIBA ???
(5)Adela R.
Wondrous. The food. The drinks. The people. Not only is this a true historical gem, for many reasons, in our city, but the food is just fantastic. The best steaks in the city. The best sides. The best deserts. No table in the restaurant is a "bad one". If you are going here for dinner, you will be absolutely pleased. The bar? THE BEST!!! If you want a cool, chill, "Old New York" style place to have a few glasses of wine...or 10 martinis...this is one of the best places to plop yourself down. The bar is nice and long and I swear, every time I go, which is about once every two weeks, I meet the nicest, most interesting people. Claim to fame: I once met a couple of very famous Egyptian movie stars here a couple of years ago with my Mom. What a night. P.S. I love the manager :) Habibi!!!
(5)David D.
went here with my best friends. the place is classy. the steak is mouth-watering and meltilicious. the wine is so good. is the chef here a electrician? because the steak had sparks in my mouth! delicious.
(5)Ryan L.
This place is unbelievably... mediocre... at best... I should have known better than to go here when I looked at the menu. I was in disbelief when I saw there were really only two streaks on the menu. I figured I must be missing something so I decided to give it a try. Nope... Only two steaks. They have a fillet and a sirloin. No ribeye, no porterhouse, no NY strip and absolutely nothing with a bone in it. I was so disappointed I ordered a piece of halibut. Then I watched a filet arrive at the table next to me and was impressed with the size so I changed my order to the filet with a side of creamed spinach and a side of mushrooms. The filet arrived cooked perfectly but it didn't taste much better than Outback. The mushrooms were just mushrooms, nothing special about them and the creamed spinach didn't even have any cream in it as far as I could tell. I also ordered the cold asparagus salad which was nothing more than a dozen (perfectly cooked) asparagus spears on a bed of lettuce with some Kraft Italian dressing on top. Never again.
(1)Victor K.
At the end of my summer internship at a financial firm, my boss took me here for a sort of final goodbye dinner. It was kinda ridiculously fancy. Paintings smothered the walls, and it seemed like there was a server for every 2 tables. I have never been to a restaurant with a dress code as fancy as Sparks. It's OK I'm still in college so I think that's a normal thing. For an appetizer my boss ordered the Lump Crab Meat Cocktail. So much crab! I was almost full off the bread and crab before even starting my entree. I ordered the Filet Mignon as I didn't have many opportunities in my life to sample such a fine meat. After receiving the hunk of steak I quickly realized this place was known to have super gigantic portions. I of course didn't finish my steak, but the servers were glad to put my steak in a box for me. On my way out they gave me the box in a fine Spark's plastic bag. I left the restaurant still in shock by the bougie once in a lifetime experience I just had. What is a normal night out for a broker was something really special for me. Obviously I'm not an experienced steakhouse eater, so my rating may be slightly inflated (as you can tell I've reviewed quite a share of fast food places :P) Later the next day I seared the leftover steak on some butter, and, to be honest, it tasted better than when I had it in the restaurant. Hopefully one day I can come back to this restaurant and treat him to the same kind of meal my boss treated me. Oh and I almost forgot, this is where John Gotti had Paulie Castellano whacked!! Wicked!
(5)Jane R.
Came here on a Friday night for my bf's birthday dinner. We were a party of 4 and once we checked out coats, we were seated. The decor is terribly amazingly old. I felt like I was in Clue - old photos but too much of it, picture frames everywhere and old wallpaper. Overall it's a large restaurant with plenty of tables. It seemed like a majority of the clientele were male business folk. There seemed to be some tourists as well. Either way, they definitely don't allow for you to bring a bottle of wine as we learned. They said we would be charged a corking fee that is equal to their cheapest bottle of wine which is $45 or $50. We ended up getting two bottles of red wine, plus sides/apps and entrees and dessert. Nothing on this menu is cheap by any means yet nothing on this menu is small either. We also ordered prosciutto with melon and mozzarella and tomato for appetizers. We ordered hash brown potatoes, spinach and asparagus as sides for the entrees (which FYI, is all meat). I ordered the cheapest entree which was chopped steak at $37 and it was still enough to feed a few people. Everyone at my table ordered the filet mignon which was delicious and I wish I had ordered that as well. It was huge, it was over half the size of the plate itself. For dessert, our server did put a candle in my bf's chocolate cake. They have a large dessert menu from cakes to ice cream to fruit with whipped cream. Overall, the food is delicious and the service is great. Decor could be much better.
(5)Paul T.
When you think "NYC Steakhouse " Sparks should be what comes to mind. Spacious yet cozy, elegant yet informal or formal, classic yet trendy. The interior, wood furnishings, carpet under your feet , and overhead chandeliers. Your greeted immediately upon entering, and you know, it's going to be an experience. I recommend going to the bar, to start the night off; allowing for the full experience, while your table is being prepped. After being seated and overlooking the menu, I went with what they are known for, "The Prime Sirloin Steak"; Ribeye or Porterhouse was out of the question. Not on the menu. The steak was good, but not great, like I was expecting. I enjoyed the appetizers much more. The shrimp cocktail, jumbo and juicy. The shrimp scampi, buttery and sweet, and the baked clams, cooked to perfection. The wine list is fantastic as well, and reasonably priced, if you know your wine. I enjoyed my night, but it doesn't make my top five.
(3)JohnnyPrime.C. C.
I had the "prime sirloin" on the recommendation of the waiter; their "signature steak." I asked for medium rare, but what I received was a jumble of medium rare, rare and flat out RAW. I had to ask the guy to re-fire it as I got into the center of the cut, and even then it was under cooked when it came back - still raw and rare in parts. My buddy ordered his filet medium, and his too came back mostly medium rare, rare and RAW. This is unacceptable. The filet bite that I did have was good, however. My "prime sirloin" was good around the edges, where it was cooked, but otherwise the inside had all the tell-tale signs of NOT being a true strip; so I was lied to. Sirloin is NOT strip. There was stringy, uncooked white ribbons of connective tissue, some chewy, dense areas, and lots of undercooked portions. If you are dead set on eating here, do yourself a favor and stick to the somewhat safe filet, and order it a step or two past what you normally like in terms of doneness. For a full steakhouse review based on 10 categories and a 100-point scoring system, go to my site
(2)Anton D.
My Partner and I went to sparks with a couple of friends also from Florida. Though we travel to the City at least twice a year, no trip is complete unless we make it to Sparks. This is the best Steak I have tasted anywhere, and I have been to some of the greatest Steakhouses out there. The service is superb with a knowledgeable staff. The wine list is to die for. The signature Steak is the Sirloin, (I know I know "Oh I only eat Filet, or Porterhouse) believe me I would put Spark's Sirloin up against anyones filet or Porterhouse. It is just that good. BTW don't miss one of the best deserts in town after a big steak dinner, try the Berries Romanoff. It is fantastic
(5)A-List R.
I'm not big on steak, or steakhouses. As it was, this place prices itself among the most elite steakhouses, and seems to deliver. If that's your thing, this place is fine, but if that's your thing, wouldn't you be better of at Palms? Minor complaint - Manhattan's are supposed to be made with Rye. They don't have rye. The Maker's Mark Manhattan was ok.
(3)Rob S.
Went in for dinner last night, and explained having to send my steak back two times when I brought in guests. They served up a perfectly cooked slab. Confidence restored. Still #1.
(5)Cristin T.
DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY OR CAB FARE! My husband and I are from Texas (land of the great steak) ventured To NY for Christmas and this was our "splurge" - it was not worth it. We were not greeted at the door as if they wanted us there - it was "Hi, your name?". Then we sat at our table for 10 minutes before even being approached. Then it took another 5 minutes to get the water glasses set on our table and filled. Then the waiter came to our table and simply said " What can I get you?". We asked for suggestions, he had none and could barely speak english. He really never came back again other than to drop the apps off. We had to ask for more bread when our one piece was gone. Even then, he NEVER asked us if we were ok, can I get you anything else while you wait - nothing. They brought the steaks and left, never asked if they were cooked ok, can I get you anything...nothing. The steak was huge and although it was good, it was not $50 good (and that is just for the steak). It was cooked Medium rare and not medium - and I never could send it back because the waiter was gone. The sides were nothing special at all and I beleive I could have cooked them better myself. Nothing about this place was special or made you go WOW at all. All of the sides looked as if they were premade and sitting under a heat lamp for at least an hour. A manager never came by to ask how our dinner was- which is customary at high end steakhouses in Dallas. We have been to del friscos and 3 forks in Dallas many times and we truly felt jipped out of a good experience at Sparks because it was so bad. It was a $300 dinner - we went to Tony Napoli's the next night and spent $80 and had a MUCH better experience and food. Please take our warning - DO NOT WASTE YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY. If you have to have a steak, go to Del Friscos - there is one in times square.
(1)Nick K.
Pros: - Top notch sirloin steak - Super extensive wine list - Old-fashioned waiters - Largest (physically) menus I've ever seen - Spacious dining area Cons: - Waiters are too anxious to clear the table - Steak side dishes were so-so - So many old men in suits - is this a steakhouse or strip club? - Weird dinner roll distribution - Dated decor was dreary, not classic Verdict: If steak, wine and NYC time warps are your thing, then Sparks is probably worth the substantial dent in your bank account. However, if drab decor, mediocre side dishes and hordes of old business men are not, then browse Yelp, not Zagat, for an alternative steakhouse.
(3)Wanderlust Y.
I've been here twice, so far, and although I loved everything about this establishment, the decor food and service runs on a system of old school male charm per se. Walking into a steakhouse in a party of 4 Asian women I guess brings about a certain type of attention, but it was a tad too much at times? with our waiter.
(4)Chris S.
This place is absolutely my favorite in all of NYC. The steak is top notch, possibly the best steak I ever had. The wine list is pretty big. Has a really cool old steakhouse ambiance. the waiters are pros...top notch. I absolutely love everything about the place. i will definitely be back ASAP.
(5)Frank W.
Bottom line: Great wait staff, great steak, great wine list. Poor door service, poor accompaniments. For fancy steakhouses, there are better for the price. But it's a crowded market. Got many of the experiences that one can get from a steakhouse in one night. Overall I was impressed in some ways but disappointed in others. We arrived around 6:15p to help seat some corporate dinners. The greet staff did an extremely poor job of hiding their displeasure at helping us find our dinners. More-so, they were confused at the fact that people referenced the HOSTS of the dinner.. which I don't understand. You'd think that would be very basic to understand. After we got away from the door the wait staff was very helpful. We were able to seat everyone and enjoy dinner ourselves within an hour or so. Drinks at the bar helped keep us up and the bartenders were very friendly and quick to serve us another. Always a good thing. The wine list was extensive. Yet another good thing. Pours were modest.. ehhhh... After an hour wait we were seated ourselves in the middle of the floor. I wish the acoustics of this restaurant were better, because I was literally shouting most of the dinner to my friends across the table. Ah well, this is the life in a pretentious business steakhouse. The food here was delicious. We started with Buffalo motz appetizer which was simple and fresh. The steaks were cooked superbly (I had the filet and I can't recall a better filet) but the sides were very underwhelming, and the bread was stale. I guess you know what they focus on.
(3)Racquelle T.
WOW!! Amazing service and food! We were treated like kings and queens. For appetizers we had the combination of baked clams and shrimp scampi, shrimp cocktails, fresh buffalo mozzarella with sliced tomato. Now who can get these wrongs? I absolutely love shrimp scampi so naturally I have to rave about that. As for the entree, they brought out 2 lobsters, filet mignon, and steak fromage. I tasted each and every single one of them and I was in heaven. They had a very good selection of wine. Not a fan of the reds but I enjoyed whichever one was poured in front of me. The atmosphere was great. Old school, classic charm. Will pay them a visit again!
(5)Mike A.
The filet mignon is one of the tops in the city. It is perfectly medium rare inside and charred on the outside. We went on Friday with a group of 12, our waiter Rachid, took excellent care of us. It is a great spot and reasonable priced ($100 p/p with drinks) for the quality. Expect a lively and loud atmosphere.
(4)Nancy M.
Largest winelist I've seen anywhere... Huge steaks cooked to perfection and delicious seafood!
(5)Dave H.
Great Steak. I ordered the filet and it was huge and delicious. They change your table after each service. Will return again, when in the city.
(5)Justin S.
I sent you a letter as well. My name is in your reservation system for Saturday night the 29th of December. You can check my server there...however; he did not make the small portion of the meat. You need to change your website...it shows the steak I used to eat for the money I also sent you a letter which you ignored.
(1)Dennis S.
Great for lunch, but skip dinnertime, unless you want to see where the New Jersey Italians come for dinner. (This review won't get me shot, will it?) Locals love to talk about how you can still see blood stains on the cement out front from where a mob boss was gunned down in 1985. Yea, right, just like my daughter can always see where I spilled the red wine on the carpet five years ago! The steaks are great, as are the lamb chops. It's just that the atmosphere is old, worn, and made somewhat comic by the clientele. Your only worry at dinnertime these days is that the hairspray in one of the ladies' bouffant hairdos will ignite and start a fire. If you're wearing a suit and can remember Caroline Kennedy as a little girl, go for lunch (assuming you have someplace to take a nap afterwards). Huge portions.
(3)Beth R.
A manly, classic steakhouse. Dim, lots of dark wood, warm shades of deep red and gold in the dining room. The service was very smooth and traditional (waiters wearing ties/bowties, addressing us as "sir" and "miss"). With all the options in NY, I landed on Sparks for this special occasion dinner both because of the frequent appearances in "best steakhouses of NY" lists, and the history factor (this is where the Castellano hit took place in the 80's). Food: The food was classic steakhouse fare. We started with the baked clams and shrimp scampi appetizer. It was a smallish quantity of food (2 shrimp and 4 clams), but everything was delicious. The waiter helpfully divided it into two dishes for us, when we indicated that we planned to share it. Very nice of him. I had the filet mignon medium rare, and shared a side of hash browns. The filet was huge. I ate maybe half of it. The side was plenty for 2 people to share. Finally we had the chocolate truffle for dessert, which was rich and delicious. I don't think the prices are noted on their website, but in case you were wondering, the wine list starts around $45 and goes sky-high. They have at least 20 bottles to choose from in the $50 range. Attire: A comment on dress... since it was a Saturday night, we came dressed up (no jeans). Oddly there were a lot of folks in very dressed down attire (i saw some sweat shirts and shorts), so I don't think you'd be turned away, but it really is a nice atmosphere that seems to beg for something more than flip flops.
(4)Finola K.
Good steak, reservations are worthless. We had a good meal here but it wasn't worthy of a one-hour-past-reservation-time wait, especially on a Monday night. We had a tomato and onion salad to start, and the tomato and mozarella salad. Both were fine but not outstanding. Either would have been ample for two. I had the filet mignon, medium rare my dining companion had the sirloin in a gorgonzola sauce. rare (it's not on the menu but the waiter suggested the sirloin over the filet for this dish). Both cuts of meat were more than generous and perfectly cooked. Our waiter was friendly and attentive and made good suggestions about the steak. I wasn't impressed with the creamed spinach; it was bitter and one spoonful was plenty. The hash brown potatoes were excellent with a nice, crispy crust. We shared the Mixed Berries Romanoff for dessert which was a good, not too heavy ending to the meal. Decor is an afterthought, though I did like that the room was carpeted and the tables were spread at a good distance so that the large party seated nearby didn't ruin our conversation. It's definitely old school, portions are enormous and I would dine here again, but I would make a "reservation" for an hour before I actually planned to eat.
(4)Edward F.
The steaks were fine, but the sides were unbelievably salty. I like salty food, but our sides were inedibly salty.
(2)Michael W.
I've heard good things about this place and got to try it on my birthday. The steak was alright. Very standard sirlon steak, as large as it is. I can't say that it stood out to Keenes, Morton, Capital Grille, Delmonico's, Strip House, or Quality Meats. All I remember is the steak was pretty fatty. Cream spinach was good. I might try it again. Maybe I just order the wrong cut.
(3)Hailey H.
There are a lot of good steakhouses in NYC and in most big cities. But this ranks amongst the best due to atmosphere, history and quality of food. It's hard to say try it out because it is expensive just to thrown down that kind of money, BUT for a special occasion, it's definitely worth treating yourself to!
(4)Marcy S.
Everyone I know told me, "you have to eat at Sparks"....well, I did and it was not good at all. The steak was not a great cut of meat and wasn't cooked well either. Needless to say, I was extremely disappointed. I've had much better steaks at chain restaurants.
(1)T C.
I had a memorable experience at Sparks years ago, and thought about re-living it when my brother-in-law was in town and staying at a nearby hotel. What a disappointment! Firstly, how can you call yourselves a "steak house" when only two steaks are on the menu? A filet mignon, and the waiter-touted house special - a shell steak? Against my better judgement, I order the shell steak. It was cooked as ordered, but come on - its a shell steak. It is tough by nature, and this was no exception. Where are the porterhouses? The ribeye's? At $49 dollars, I expected that steak to send shivers. It did not. Sides were simply fillers - nothing special. Wait staff was unfriendly and stuffy. And the men's bathroom was hideous! Nuff said. I won't be back. Do yourself a favor and go to one of NYC's truly memorable steakhouses - Strip House. Always a fabulous experience.
(2)Xia W.
nice place for a date. great seafood and steak dishes great service
(4)Val G.
This was our second visit to Sparks in the last six months. The food is always amazing and the service was up to it's usual standard-excellent. My lobster was the size of an alligator and extremely tender. The dressing on the mixed greens salad was really great and the "exquisite" roquefort on top was just that-exquisite. I will say, however that the filet mignon was not as "perfect" as the cut we had in May. Although absolutely delicious, It was fatty and that was disappointing. I hope that it was just a one time issue.
(4)Lloyd M.
Always has been my favorite steak house and did not disappoint this time (and I go to many steak houses). I actually ordered a lobster instead of beef, for the first time ever, and it was awesome (I've had it before as a starter). The beauty is it is perfectly cooked but more importantly shelled, so it is no trouble to eat the meat. And there is definitely enough meat. I ordered the smallest size available, 3-3.5 lbs, and it was a ton of food. The hash browns were also great, I could not resist taking fork after fork. Not cheap but many other NY restaurants have caught up, actually found it reasonable.
(5)Emily S.
This was my first steak since the all-out beefathon I had in Argentina 3 months ago, and I was not disappointed. I would hazard to say that their filet may be the best I've had in NYC-- on par with Wolfgang's or maybe better. The atmosphere: total boy's club testosterone fest. It's a huge big open space filled with raucous tables, mostly businessmen, and the guys at the table next to us displayed that oh-so-lovely douchey quality that steakhouses like this seems to breed. (Their loudest conversation was about how a trampy girl they'd met earlier "soo wanted to party with us". Um yes, I am sure she did, with your ill-advised faux hawk, middleaged beer gut, and Rockport slip-ons.) The menu reflects that most people are dining on expense accounts ($20 shrimp cocktail that includes a whopping total of 4 shrimp, $15 for a bowl of fruit with whipped cream on it, etc). However, the aforementioned filet is worth it-- although it is big enough that we split it between 2 people. The hash browns are incredible-- the perfect crispy potato taste. I would give it 4 stars except the service was slow and inattentive, which probably wasn't helped by the fact that we were seated at the corner table in the way back. Additionally, the waiter gave us a hard time when we asked to used multiple cards to pay the check (not separate checks-- just splitting the charge across cards.) I guess they aren't used to groups of coworkers splitting the check. He also insisted that he wanted to keep the cash that one coworker had put in as his tip-- real classy, my friend-- which forced us to recalculate the charge. Then, he complained afterwards that we didn't tip him enough!
(3)Jaimee A.
Love this steakhouse! The food is delicious. The steaks are yum as are their lobsters. My husband got a steak covered in roquefort cheese and as nasty as that sounds, it was delicious. The only negative is that even with a reservation you have a fairly decent wait for your table.
(4)Jonathan B.
Terrible service. Food average. Will not be back.
(2)Alena B.
YUM! This place was amazing. We had a great anniversary here with lovely steaks...sides and most of all dessert. We ordered a simple ice cream and fruit dessert but it was amazing. We came here because of the restaurants notoriety but were overwhelmed by how good it really is. The staff is courteous and friendly and wonderful! The presentation was fabulous. I recommend this place for a great night out with someone special. Pricey but worth it!
(4)Kevin M.
A great steak house. Food and service were great. I do not mind spending the extra $$$ for a great steak house.
(4)Marissa F.
The food here was awesome! I was visiting from out of town and this place was recommended. I went on a Wednesday night and it wasn't packed, the wait staff was very nice and attentive. The food was delicious, however, the portions are HUGE! I know at some places you don't get enough, but I felt bad that I had to waste so much food! I got the filet and a side of mushroom caps and it was enough for 2! If you get a side, share it with someone because it's too much. They were both delicious though! I highly recommend the mushroom caps!!! I would recommend this place! Very good!
(5)Taka A.
Great Manhattan steakhouse....atmosphere, service but mainly the beef cow. Cause bro guy, why go to a steakhouse if you ain't gonna get the steak? Sparks is known for their Sirloin and it does not dissapoint time and time again. Unlikee Peter Lugers though, even if you look out of place, the wait staff won't bark at you...they will be nice and curteous through the difficulties of ordered a steak and veg.
(5)Shawn Y.
Considered to be one of the more affordable high-quality steakhouses, Sparks Steakhouse is also known for having an extensive and well-valued wine list. The prime sirloin steak is the most revered cut of meat, and the Roquefort dressing is also highly recommended.
(5)Duong N.
The worst service I've EVER experienced. The food was definetly delish, however with the horrible service, can't say that I'll ever return. I would have given the restaurant more stars however the 1 plus hour wait after we had reservations took it down one star. The entire staff was rude, harsh, and waiters even bickered at each other in front of us. Just total bad vibe. Them missing our appetizer completely, interupting us while we ordered, the waiter having b.o., having to remind the waiter to bring our water and wine, waiting forever to have them take away our food and provide us with dessert menus, waiter not ever checking up on us, and ultimately overcharging us for something we didn't order resulted in 2 more star down. In terms of the food: Hash browns- amazing. Filet was perfectly cooked (medium rare) and just melted in my mouth. Lobster was huge and absolutely lovely. Tartufo was good as well. For the 300 dollar meal, I was hoping for a better experience.
(2)Karen F.
Big honkin' hunks of meat on a plate. This is a Man's-man/Guy's guy steakhouse. You want it rare? It'll be perfectly rare. (I tend to order medium rare here.) The testosterone level is a bit high here - but what steak house isn't? It's pricey - but you will get PRIME beef and plenty of it. The sides are classics - from fried and baked (and house special) potatoes to creamed (artery clogging) spinach.
(4)Dorian B.
I was looking forward to going to Sparks for my birthday this past weekend. I was highly disappointed. First off I was looking for a romantic setting which this was far from romantic. They sit you in a very loud room filled with many tables of parties of 6 or more. Waiters are bustling through the restaurant with carts. The attire of the place is not dressy. I saw many in jeans with backpacks. The atmosphere is very casual. The menu is overly priced. I ordered the Shrimp Cocktail $20.00 which was just ok a dish with four large shrimp on a bed of lettuce. My husband ordered the Caesar Salad with anchovies and there were no anchovies at all in the salad. I ordered the Filet Mignon medium and it was delivered to me rare barely cooked and a bit fatty. Beef really had no flavor to it I have been to other steak houses and they all seem to have their own special flavor this was like a slab of beef they put under the broiler and cooked not really testing to see if it was what the customer ordered cost $51.00. You would think they would know how to make a decent medium filet mignon being steaks are what they specialize in. Your choice of potato is either baked or hash browns. I figured I would try the hash browns I think they sprinkled the potatoes with bacon bits to add flavor although they deny it I think it tasted like bacon and a bit on the salty side nothing special. We ordered the spinach and it was overly cooked. Husband ordered Halibut at $42.00 I think they could have done better it was ok nothing special. They have a well stocked bar as well as a nice wine list cheapest bottle of wine is $54.00 but this is to be expected in any steak house. Like I said the place is overly priced not your classy type of atmosphere. Jeans and sneakers are acceptable. The atmosphere reminded me of walking into a family style restaurant loud and noisy with large parties. I also DO NOT trust a place that can not tell you where there beef comes from with that being said I will not be returning or recommending this place to anyone.
(1)Melissa B.
This really could have been the best steak I have ever eaten....and I'm not a huge steak eater. I got the $45 sirloin (sides are extra), which I was told was the specialty, and it was so very delicious! Great flavor and seasoning. We ordered just about every side dish as well and all were great. I really liked the crunchy potatoes and creamed spinach. Mmm mmm. I see why the mobsters with the big money used to come here, and may still.
(5)Frank M.
Fantastic. The steak was fantastic, the wine was fantastic, the ambiance was fantastic, even my date's chilean sea bass was fantastic. First, the restaurant is very elegant. Less "manly" than I thought it would be (had concerns about going with a date instead of my buddies) and more classic or "New Orleans-y." Think red carpets, red mini-chandeliers, white table cloths, and many, many painted landescapes almost wallpapering the walls. We had a reservation at 8 pm on a Saturday night and were seated immediately in the main dining room. The waiter was polite and attentive, always keeping a careful eye on our table and our wine glasses, without being at all instrusive. Bufalo mozzarella and tomato was a great starter. Fresh and delicious. Filet mignon was large, tender, and cooked perfectly to order. Chilean sea bass was light, flakey, and delicious. We like pinot noirs and Panther Creek Vineyard's offering hit the spot. I shall definitely return to Sparks.
(4)Jerrica J.
Met up with a client and her family for dinner to discuss her wedding! Service: Five Stars Food: Five Stars Ambiance: Five Stars Great place for sharing! We shared a huge 4 lb lobster, baked clams, tomato and buffalo mozzarella salad, four porterhouse steaks, and a halibut steak for me. For side dishes, we had baked potato, creamed spinach and mushroom caps. Yummy! Everything was cooked to perfection. They do not even need to put any unnecessary sauces on the meats! Just a little seasoning. The staff was super friendly, and treated us very well. I'm impressed!
(5)Lada P.
Come for the story, come for the legend. You can come for the food as well. If I was you I tried if for the meat. What would John Gotti have?
(4)David W.
Went here last Thursday night and the place was pretty slow, so I'm not going to chalk the meal up to them being too busy. I got the sirloin...which was decent, but I would expect a lot better since this is supposed to be one of the top steakhouses in the city. It may have been because it's not dry aged...which usually helps create a strong flavor. The sides were disappointing as well. We got the potatoes, creamed spinach, and mushroom caps. The potatoes were pretty good, but the spinach and mushrooms were not anything special, which would be fine until you realize you're paying over $10 per side. Overall there are several steakhouses which are better to spend $100/person at, though it seems like all of the "classic" places in the city have been rapidly declining in quality for some reason.
(2)Wun M.
Service: maitre d - was terrible. Ignored me when I mentioned I had a reservation. When my client showed up the maitre d sat us away from the main dining area and dumped us near the loud noisy bar section. Hmmmm.....Profiling? I don't want to go off on a tangent with this but wear a business suit/tie if you want to be treated seriously. I guess business casual isn't enough. Service: waiters - professional, respectful and checked on us without rushing us out of there. Food: pretty good. I ordered the filet medium temp and it was a nice big piece of steak. My client ordered the lamb chop and that was pretty good as well. If the maitre d started the night off with a smile I think I would have given this place 4 or 5 stars. I've had a better experience at "The Striphouse" in terms of service, food selection and food preparation. I would come back to Sparks if the situation called for it.
(3)Lawrence C.
For a certain kind of foodie, the NYC steakhouse issue begins with Peter Luger, ends with Keens, and has nothing in between. A more nuanced carnivore realizes there's more to it than that, with places like Strip House, BLT Prime, and Del Frisco's filling certain niches. And then there's Sparks. I can't skip mentioning the old-world feel of the place, the dark, heavy woods, the sheer masculinity of it all; only Keens can match it on the atmosphere front. But let's talk food. In fact, let's compare and contrast with the late-and-not-so-lamented Craftsteak: for New York strips alone, its menu had a 28-day dry-aged cut, a 42-day one, a 56-day one, one sourced from Niman Ranch, one from Pine Ridge Farm in Maine, grass-fed versions from Montana and Hawaii, and Wagyus from Texas and Miyazaki, Japan. Sparks' solitary equivalent, the "prime sirloin steak", is not sourced from anywhere (at least not listed on the menu). I think we can be sure that neither grass nor Wagyu is involved. Indeed, it's not even dry-aged, the pinnacle of the steakhouse's art. When I found out this last fact, I started to become skeptical. Then I realized that Sparks does not offer any bone-in cuts. Nary a porterhouse or a rib-eye to be seen. No bones! I mean, how good could it be? I shouldn't have worried. My convives and I ordered three sirloins. (You'd be criminal to order filet mignon at a place like this.) They came in Spartan simplicity: a thick slab of meat on a plate. No pre-slicing. No baked potato. No baby carrots. No parsley. No butter ladled on top. No sauce of any sort. It was charred at a medium level for a steakhouse -- far better that than, say, Smith and Wollensky, whose steaks are frankly encrusted in ash. Needless to say, the portion was generous, which it better be for $45. So, the visual test was cleared. Next. The estimable Alan Richman eviscerated Sparks' cooking consistency a few months ago. I don't know if he lit a fire under the cooks' asses or if my convives and I just got lucky, but each of our steaks was cooked precisely to spec. A contrast to the Luger approach, where you are given a rather underdone steak that continues to cook on the crazily hot plate. I'm not claiming Sparks' superiority here; it's just a style thing. But it was nice to have a properly rested piece of meat for once. And then the meat itself. No dry-aging means none of the deep funk that that process endows upon a steak. I can't say I didn't miss it, but there is also a place in this world for wet-aged beef. Sparks is that place. The texture was pure beef; meat that sublimates in the mouth is all well and good, but sirloins benefit from a bit of chew. Besides, the sheer concentration of flavor released upon mouth contact was more than enough to make you forget about any tenderness issues. The char tasted as perfect as it looked. As far as side dishes go, the mushroom caps were boring and oversalted. But the creamed spinach was lovely, blended into a near puree worth sopping up with bread. It was definitely far superior to Luger's version (which is basically spinach with a whole lot of cream thrown on top). The desserts were even better, surprisingly. The tartuffo was a fine example of the form, the chocolate shell more delicate than usual. I'd been to L'Arte del Gelato earlier that day, but I was duly reminded that good ol' American ice cream hits the spot sometimes too. And the cheesecake was ridiculously good in the classic style, the concave top proving it had been baked (unlike the Cheesecake Factory's gelatin-laden insults), the filling sinfully creamy. Who knew a steakhouse could beat Two Little Red Hens on *baking* turf? Sparks didn't beat Peter Luger or Keens on the steak turf, for sure. I never expected it to. But it does a classic, classic sirloin. I think any carnivore knows that there are times when nothing else -- not even a porterhouse -- will do. For that alone, after all these years, it remains a must-try for steakhouse aficionados. Probability of return within 1 year: 20%, but only this low because there's so many other worthy steakhouses to revisit
(4)Stefanos M.
Service is greater than Food. This place has some of the best service I have ever experienced in a restaurant. I went for a work event and of course we ordered everything we could off the menu. Wine is exceptional, but it better be at the prices they have. The food itself however is just OK, especially for the price tag. I got the lamb chops and they were really good, but nothing too impressive food wise. My ratings are always only about the food quality to price ratio, as thats why people go to restaurants, hence the 2-star rating. Probably would never go back (unless it was free again).
(2)Stephany B.
Sparks is classic New York steakhouse in every sense of the word. This place is straight out of a mobster movie with slabs if meat and curt waiters to make you feel right at home. The wine list is extensive and I highly recommend a bottle to go with your meal. We were in a party of six and ordered a few bottles for the table. The meat is not dry aged so the flavor is not as intricate but is still very good. We order oysters to start which were very fresh but the mignonette was not that of a oyster house. The fresh horseradish made up for it though. The waiter was very curt and straightforward as he should be in a place like this. On of the other girls in our party got bent out of shape when he was short with her and I explained that sorta comes with the territory of a meat house like this. He was not rude he was as he should be. One of the temps if the filets was a bit under what she wanted (she ordered medium well and it was far more medium rare. I like bloody steak so we switched) that of course means mine was a bit over as well but i was not going to send it back as it was still very very good. We got a few of the sides (mushrooms, potatoes, creamed spinach) and all were acceptable. IMHO unnecessary when you have 10 oz of meat in front of you. We were all a bit shocked at the price but with three bottles of wine it'll creep up on you. It ended up being about $150 per person (So $300 for a couple) which seemed steep. Because I have had steak just as good (perhaps even better) at other steakhouses I will not be back but the experience of Sparks was well worth it. It is a snapshot in time of an old hollywood mob movie but is in no way pretentious or trying too hard.
(4)Jurgen J.
This place reminds me of old hollywood mob movies. The place is very old new york. You would see a lot of people in suits and little tourist. First of all the steak is good. But it's not that good. I prefer Peter Luger's or Morton's (I'm giving Benjamin a shot next week). The steak is simple, my guess is they spiced it with salt pepper grilled it on one side, grilled it on the other side, tossed it in a boiler/oven for a few minutes and let it rest then served it in a hot plate. As i said before, the scene is very classic and the food is also classic steakhouse food. Good but not great.
(3)Rob R.
Having never seen a picture of Sparks (inside the restaurant) it was exactly as expected - but much larger. Dark wood and red colors, very old school from the white shirt/black tie very professional service to the fare. I liked the fact that besides the many awards and news articles about them (no mob hit references though) there was an autographed picture of Joe Torre - very New York. The wine list was extensive, and you could have your choice of bottles under $50 (although not much under), but if you felt the need to spend $100+ your options were limitless. On to the food, the appetizers were a little pricey even by manhattan prices, 2 shrimp, 2 clams for $22 - they were good, but a little high. The steaks were priced more inline with what I expected $45 for a very large cut of filet, mine was ordered medium rare and it was perfect, I would guess it was alteast 12oz. The side dishes were all priced reasonably, we had the hash browned potatoes and they were good, but I would have to say the best steak side I have ever had was the truffle mac n cheese at the Club A steak house in the upper east side. Overall, I was very happy with my Sparks experience.
(4)Matthew P.
First off, before moving to NYC, I was a Sparks addict and ate here at least once every time I was in the area. After attending a work dinner last evening I have come to this conclusion: anybody who thinks this place is better than Wolfgang's is bat sh!t crazy and is a testament to why waterboarding should be legal. I ordered the fillet (I have had bad sirloins here before so I thought this was a safer play. Who could screw up a fillet right?). The portion size is big, and the meat is more than ample to feed several stray dogs. At times I found myself in want of a chainsaw. For a $60 piece of meat I should not get a workout cutting it or worry about how I am going to spit out the fat/tendon ball in my mouth without anyone noticing. The quality of the steak is O.K., (good crust, not a ton of flavor) but is usually undercooked, and they serve bad cuts way too frequently for the price. Gotti shot Castellano and Bilotti outside of Sparks... hopefully you only need this review to make you come to your sense and save you from a lackluster meal.
(2)Wayne L.
Overall for this place was good, esp for Steak. This is my third time here, First one was great, second was good. This was horrible. Arrived at 9pm on Friday, The house was not full, me and gf were placed in the worst seat in the house, a dead corner blocked by a column. But since we came here for the food/steak, we didn't bother that much, but I could see there were plenty of empty tables across their big room. Compare to our last two visit, those waiters were top level service. The waiter we had this time was lazy and unfriendly, he didn't come back to check on us until end of the meal. The steak we had was not a good cut , small and tough. The worst part came after we finish our meal. I had a gift card from this place, used it once in July, and I was going to use the remaining balance for this visit. But they decline the card, and told me the card was expired, but there was no expiration date on their gift card. Did I mention this place is racist, esp when you dress down. I hate this kind of places. Piss me off, never back again. If you come, beware to dress well, don't use their gift card (no number listed, cant check balance), and good luck finding a good waiter.
(1)Christina M.
3 1/2 stars for a very clean and welcoming atmosphere. The appetizers were small and expensive. The waiter was hard to flag down for refills. The steak was subpar, definitely not a Luger steak. I got the sirloin, my father had the blue cheese topped sirloin. My sirloin was fine, I got it medium, cooked good and VERY big. It was a little to charred on the outside for my liking, inside was cooked well though so not a huge complaint but it was somewhat dry. My fathers steak with the blue cheese was very over powering, I had one bite and couldn't eat it. He said he liked it but not my taste. Overall good experience, would I go back for the price? No, but happy I tried it!
(3)Stacy T.
Oddly I didn't enjoy this place as much as I thought I would. Loved the old school vibe and throwback appeal, but the food was only slightly above average. The steaks were high quality well marbled cuts, but the sea bass I had was slightly fishy. Not cool when you are paying close to $40 an entree. That was the only real dinger of the evening, becuase I had ordered it I felt a little like a chump. Service was what I was really impressed by. The staff is outstanding and makes you feel like you are the only diner in the whole establishment. They were meticulous with the plates, silverware, and making sure we had everything we needed at all times without intruding into our conversations. Perfect. That was the saving grace along with the amazing wine list. Great selections with some fairly priced options. Best to save this for a coroprate dinner.
(4)Kevin L.
Pretty good. Try the steak.
(4)Ron M.
Came here rather spontaneously last week when I was in the area. I came in as I always try to do, without any expectations. Right away I saw the service was a bit under average, so that right there loses a star. The server seemed very apathetic and indifferent and was not really helpful in selecting anything off the menu, not that we needed it. Their wine selection looked amazing. I'm anything from a wine connoisseur but even I can tell that they had some of the best wines in the world (and the prices reflected that). However, my friend and I are both beer drinkers and many steakhouses (like Keens) have a very good beer selection to cater to guys like us. Sparks is not one of those steakhouses and only had about a handful of bottled beers to choose from. The quality of the food redeemed the restaurant from its poor services and bad drink selection. I had the fillet mignon and it was (on a scale from 1 to 5) a four. Tender, chewy, a bit over-seared but generally good. The sides that we got, potatoes and spinach, were too oily and over-salted, but still okay. Overall, this place gets a three mostly because I would not recommend it to anyone I know. If they're in the area, hungry and want a steakhouse, I'd say "Sure, you can try Sparks but its only average." There are plenty of other steakhouses in the city that have better meat and better service in the same price range.
(3)Bruce F.
Clubby and masculine are not bad things when describing an Italian steakhouse. I have never experienced anything less than attentive service and great Italian specialties in this haven for wise guys and businessmen. I enjoy taking clients here (who themselves are New Yorkers) and they're never disappointed. It's a caricature of itself.
(4)Ben H.
I have been wanting to come to this place for a long time now because mob boss Paul Castellanos was gunned down here by Gotti's henchmen back in 1985. I had the sirlon steak which is their house favorite. The steak was so juicy and tender also seasoned perfectly. The sides such as the mushroom caps, potatoes, asparagus were all delicious and the oysters are the best i've had. i am defiantely coming back again
(5)Cat T.
Where do I start? First of all the giant menu... is just... obnoxious... really guys??... I was there with 4 other people and we were trying to figure out what to do with the 2 foot by 3 foot menus while we were waiting for the server to come take our order... minus 1 star... Second... our server takes our orders and runs off... oh wait... he forgot someone... so we have to call him back to finish taking the order... minus 1 star... Third... I took a bite of my creamed spinach and instantly got a giant crunch of sandy goodness... oh yes... I thought maybe it was just that one bite... but with every bit and every chew... yet more grains of sand... I felt like I was eating oysters except they weren't shucked... and I was just chomping away on the shell... so we ask for our server to take back the creamed spinach... which they did... I never send back food... even if it is crappy... because crappy is a matter of taste... but I am not a parrot... I don't eat sand... minus 1 star... Fourth... One girl in our party got a caesar salad and it was drowning in dressing... so we ask someone to get the server so we could ask for a less soupy salad... Fourth... and we were told... "oh, he left" ... oh?? he just left? ... didn't inform us of a shift change... or that maybe he thought he already f*cked up twice and he could see his tip dwindling before his eyes?... minus 1 star... Fifth... got the filet mignon... I make it better at home... Sixth... we asked for out server... and what? he dropped dead as well... gee was there some epidemic flu going around? Seventh... we got the bill... and ooh... we got charged for the spinach... surprise!! I have never gotten such lousy service at any restaurant that costs this much... actually I get better service at podunk diners... So this place is famous for the mob hit on Paul Castellano... it might have been really cool if I saw his ghost pick up a steak and throw it at someone's head... no ghosts... no stars...
(1)LJ S.
Fantastic! The meal was exceptional and the service was impeccable.
(5)Jennifer L.
I can't believe the sommelier would be off on a Friday night. I also started typing this on my phone while drunk so that had a ton of typos. So as you can see, sommelier or no sommelier, I still managed to get drunk here. Service was fantastically old world Italian/New York steakhouse. The food was steakhousey. There was a lot of wine. The steak with peppers was delicious but I couldn't eat it all. No gangsters though; at least none that I recognized. (I don't know what any gangsters look like, so there may have been gangsters) An institution!!
(4)Jessica G.
Does it make me white trash to give a mediocre review of a restaurant that I visited as the result of it being the site of a conference? I also prefer red wine to be chilled so perhaps asking this question isn't necessary. What's with the rugs everywhere in steakhouses? Just b/c this was popular in the Castellano/Gambino days doesn't mean it's not time to evolve and slap down some wood floors. The food was pretty good, not great (the salads were soupy, the mozzarella was very watery, and the olive oil/vinegar seemed of low quality). If I were paying, I'd have been pissed, but I wasn't ... I'm Jewish so I packed up my meal and had it for lunch the next day instead. You gotta' problem with that Anti-Semites?
(2)Trevor D.
"Take her out to the Sparks Steakhouse, gentleman style"- Nas. That verse alone had me wanting to go to Sparks. Appetizers: There is mostly seafood on the menu. I decided to go with the shrimp cocktail. Not impressed at all as it tasted like the shrimp you could buy at Key Food. Steak: My favorite steak is a rib-eye and to my disappointment there was no rib-eye on the menu. Fine, no rib-eye lets get a NY Strip instead. Once again they didn't have another steak I wanted. The waiter stated that the most popular steak on the menu was the sirloin. From what I've been told sirloin is one of the less favorable steaks in terms of quality. Regardless I ordered the prime sirloin. It was a thick cut and it was better than the other sirloins that Ive had in the past at outback steakhouse and chain restaurants like that. When it was brought out it looked very delicious but the taste of a sirloin is far from being as good as other cuts. There is no justification to a sirloin in the $40 dollar price range. The meat is not worth that price. There is a big lobster selection but at a steakhouse I think its best to order a steak but there has been times where I have ordered steak at a seafood restaurant. Sides: I ordered the hash browns. With steak I rather have mash or mac and cheese however, neither were on the menu. The hash browns were good but to my liking it doesn't go to well with a steak. With eggs I would have liked it much more. Desserts: I didn't even bother. Sparks is good but when you take into the consideration the cost, its more of a decent restaurant. If Peter Luger's is the Rangers, Sparks is the Islanders. Everyone wants to go to the Garden and not Nassau Coliseum. Between the two places I think Luger's is much better. The only plus to Sparks as compared to Luger's is that the tables are more spaced out and its in the city and not Brooklyn, the home of Biggie and Jay.
(2)Holly S.
We celebrated my husband's birthday at Sparks and were beyond delighted. They have an old fashioned bar with authentic bartenders who turn out perfect drinks. We began our meal with selections from the raw bar. The clams and oysters were the largest and freshest we've had. I ordered the 3 lb lobster and my husband ordered filet mignon, with a side of creamed spinach. To my delight, the waiters prepared the lobster for me by taking off the shells before serving. All I had to do was savour. The peacan pie was the perfect end to the meal. We loved it so much that we came back the following weekend. I can't understand reviews complaining service is snooty, and can only guess those reviewers are not from New York. All waitstaff were attentive, very professional, and reasonably fast, without making us feel rushed. They don't waste time with small talk, but a folksy repoire wouldn't fit the upscale atmosphere. Be prepared to spend $200+ for dinner for two. It's worth every penny.
(5)Lincoln H.
Beef was excellent, perfectly cooked. Potatoes - so-so, but we go to a steak house for steak. Server was efficient, knowing and take charge.
(4)Tracy T.
I've had a very bad streak of new restaurants lately. Sparks continues my bad streak. I was very excited to come here as I've read and heard very good things about this restaurant. I had good vibes when I walked in. I've heard that this place could be stuffy with older patrons, but they seemed to put the older patrons in the back and the younger ones in the front. I suppose that was good for both groups. I came with a rather large group of 10 people as we randomly had a craving for steak. The only good thing about this meal was the buffalo mozzarella-tomato appetizer. Actually, the only good part was the mozzarella. The tomato was mediocre at best. Then everything went downhill from there on. These chefs must be heavy smokers or somehow have killed their tastebuds because EVERY SINGLE dish was oversalted. I actually could not eat my steak because it was grossly oversalted. The meat itself was mediocre. I had the sirloin and it was rather tough. It was cooked to my liking (medium-rare), but that was the only thing going for it. Overall a poor experience. The sides were okay. I can actually make a better creamed spinach at home than the one they served. The mushrooms were also okay - not amazing, as were the potatoes. Actually, my friend make a good point that the bread even was mediocre (you can tell a lot about a restaurant based on the bread they serve). The blue cheese was grossly overpowering in the steak roquefort. The filet mignon was "meh." Overall, everyone left the restaurant underwhelmed. The prices were about the same as any other steakhouse in the city. I want my money back.
(2)Jeremy W.
When my food came out I thought people were going to jump out from the other tables and say "GOTCHA, you've bee punked" unfortunately that didn't happen. I seriously do not know where to begin as I have never been so befuddled. How does this restaurant compete with all the other top steakhouses in NYC? How do people not send their food back in waves? How do they stay in business? are all very fair questions to ask. I cannot capture the essence of how lackluster this place is but I will try : Appetizers: The clams were like buffet style minituare claims, at first I chalked this up to "perhaps this isn't wha they are known for" Oyster: also miniature with a terrible taste as well Steaks: my table got a spread of steaks ranging from sirloin, filet, veal, etc. All of our steaks were overcooked and thus very dry. Additionally the steaks were grisly with very little taste. Last, the steak was soo chewy I was like surprised...isn't this supposed to be a high end steakhouse? Side: Cream Spinach...how can you mess this up, it had no flavor at all!!!!! Asparagus: high end restuarants you get HUGE asparagus spears, this was mini asparagus the kind you can get at key food!! All in all, I would never go back here.
(1)Nasim N.
This is my favorite steak house EVER! I visit Sparks almost every time I'm in NYC and it gets better every time. The steaks are on point, the wine list is fantastic (and HUGE) and the waiters and staff are awesome! The historical mob aspect doesn't hurt, either! You feel really cool walking up to the restaurant and dining inside. If you're a steak lover and enjoy a wonderful, true-steak house atmosphere, definitely dine at Sparks! I'm actually going there this weekend, can't wait!
(5)Michael L.
I must say that some aspects of this institution (institution really is what it is) are above average, while some are below. We ordered vodka sodas to start the night. It seems as if the machine that spits out the soda was poluted with tonic. That or they just messed up our order and got us vodka tonics instead. The appetizers: The cocktail shrimp was good. The proscuito with melon was uninspiring. The bread was completely unremarkable, even forgettable. The mains: We all got the sirloin, the signiture dish at this place. It was big. Probably 12 - 14 oz. Was quite tasty. Mine was perfect, done medium, a tiny bit of marbling. I think I got the best sirloin cut out of my group. Others' seemed to be too marbled for my liking, or cooked inconsistently. The wine list is exhaustive, as others have mentioned. The establishment itself is as old school "new york" as it gets. I did also find the tables to be very flimsy and unstable. They are these round 3piece tables and the edges were clearly tilting downwards when pressure was applied. Certainly did not inspire the most confidence. Overall an interesting experience. Certainly not my favorite steakhouse in the city, but certainly more enlightened after having tried it once.
(3)Synie W.
was contemplating quite hard about whether or not i should write a review about this place and let word of this "yumm-a-licious" place out to the yelp world... came to Sparks due to other yelpers' reviews and thank you yelpers... you did not disappoint this time!! main: the steak (sirloin... med/rare) was phenomenal!!! i HATEEE unseasoned steak (i dont plan on adding A1 sauce to my $50 steak... good thing this wasnt the case here) the steak was seasoned (salt) and the outside was nicely cooked to a crusty salty shell. it was goooood. app: half shelled clams (1/2 doz. $16.95)... very fresh but i was shocked by the size of these things... tiny... (on one hand... put your thumb and index finger together... TADAAA that was the size of 5 of them... now put your thumb and middle finger together... that was the last one) hahah im not joking! dessert: strawberry romanoff. light... creamy... sweet... you can taste a hint of the alcohol. it was good... but a tad bit pricey, 14.95?!?! service: waiter was nice... but a bit hard to find. he wasnt as attentative as i thought he should be. through the entire dinner, i think i saw him 5 times total (greeting... water... taking orders... giving dessert menu... check) LOL where was my... "oh how are the clams? refill on water? how is your steak? did you like it?" bottom line. OF COURSE i am going to come back!! lol gota wait for the next paycheck to come though.
(4)Alex M.
Went to Sparks on Friday before a show. The place seems to be very old school. Walls were covered with paintings, and waiters were wearing tuxedos. The service was prompt and knowledgeable. But the food was just OK and nothing spectacular. They managed to undercook my steak the first time around and slightly overcook it the second time. For a 50$ steak I was expecting them to know how to make it "Medium". My GF got the Halibut, which was delicious, but this is a Steak House. Will stick to Peter Luger next time.
(2)Frank L.
Prime sirloin was underwhelming. Mushroom caps were good, as was the hash browns. Service is slow. Very slow. Steak was ho-hum. If it weren't for the groupon offer, I'd spend the money at Keens or Lugers.
(3)Dan C.
You may have heard of a criminal organization known as the mafia? I thought so. In New York the best known Don in recent years wasn't Tony Soprano, because he was actually a fictional character, but rather the superstar mafia Don was John Gotti, known in the press as The Dapper Don, because of his elegant custom tailored clothing. John Gotti loved publicity. He loved the paparazzi. He threw huge fireworks displays. The man was popular. Federal prosecutors worked like hell to lock him away. Jury after jury found him not guilty. Ultimately, the feds turned one of his capos, Sammy "The Bull" Gravano, and Gotti went to jail. He died there. Before the requisite bada boom, it's important to know how John Gotti became a Don. He was a capo. He was antsy. He wanted to be a boss. So one evening, he and a few of his boys took positions on the street outside Sparks steak house. They carried walkie talkies and pistols. On this particular evening, their Don, Paul Castellano, planned to dine at Sparks. As Castellano's limo pulled up to the canopy over the entrance, Gotti and his boys closed in on the car and blew the living crap out of Castellano and his driver. Gotti took out the old man and took over. This is Sparks, OK? Now you know where you're eating. On Friday nights, Italian mobsters bring their gumadas here. So now, what are you doing here? First of all, the best thing on the menu, the dynamite dish, is the lobster for two. I recommend just having a salad for two with it. That's all you need. If you want meat, go with the filet mignon. This is the best steak house in Manhattan. Period. The beef is caked in salt and perfectly grilled. The wines are superb. If you want hip, go someplace else.
(5)Kandace G.
Sparks Steak House was the meal that enlightened me as to why people love steak. I never understood it before. Hockey puck filet, tasteless, sometimes tough, sometimes sinewy. Sparks, however, will always hold a place in my heart as the turning point. I became a steak fiend. Rare, please, with a little side of bearnaise. I visited Sparks in 2006, and every minute of the experience was wonderful. The server was gracious and explained the menu with flair. He gently made suggestions and was top notch in his attendance to our table. The filet was seared crisp on the outside and tender-red on the inside. For dessert, a simple burnt creme with raspberries. I will forever compare every steak I enjoy to that one experience at Sparks. To date, Ruths' Chris best attempts don't even compare.
(5)Stephanie L.
Excellent Food (and HUGE lobsters-the table next to us got one!) Super Expensive (but I guess all NY steak houses are!) Ambiance was a little stuffy-I didn't feel like I could sit back and relax and enjoy my red wine and steak. My major disappointment was that they did not have a traditional steak house menu. You couldn't choose different cuts of steaks, there were basically only 3 types of steaks to ordered, and one was sliced steak!? Overall, for the money I would prefer a more laid back environment with a larger selection of steak.
(3)Michael Q.
I was really excited to go here, I've seen this place numerous times on screen and I always wanted to dine at Sparks. I must have picked the wrong day to go but I wanted to go on a special day. I chose valentines day 2013. Maybe the most busiest day of the year . I had made reservations and I was really excited to finally go, but the negative aspects began as soon as I got there. I was asked do you guys want to sit right here or more over there? I was basically brought to my table when I was asked, so I opted for "right here is fine" big mistake, that was the noisiest table, the register was right behind it, customers being seated were constantly in front of my table, and I couldn't help but notice how beautifully the restaurant was decorated but that I couldn't enjoy because this table is kind of in a cubicle in the front so you can't really enjoy the restaurant, it's kind of like eating in a closet. That table shouldn't be offered it shouldn't be there. I ordered 2 lobsters and they both were really slimy. I've had better lobster at other places. The prices were a bit high for the gross slimy lobsters. And then my waiter wouldn't shut up about the castellano murder, he even used mafia slang like "he got wacked" which was really cheesy. I was secretly disappointed I didn't want to alarm my date.
(1)Al J.
Sparks nail it - "it" being the undefined, "je ne sais crois" quality that permeates the best, classic steakhouse in the world. Apart from the meat, no one part of the meal is particularly special standing alone; in sum, however, they lead to an almost revelationary dining experience. We can start with the best part of the meal: the steak. I went with the Filet, and loved it. Perfectly marbelled, cooked, and seasoned: from first to last bite, the meat exhibited the ideal balance of salt, char, and fat. The Hash Browns were a tremendous side - rich, soft, but also crisp - I demolished the German Potatoes at Luger's, and these were even better. The other sides and the Appetizers were decent: Baked Clams, Scallops, Lump Crab, Creamed Spinach, Mozzarella Salad were all par for the course. Next time, I'll likely start with a Lump Crab or Shrimp Cocktail to start - or just go for another Campari Soda in anticipation of the large entree to come. For those so inclined (and needing more than potatoes to round out their Steak), the Mushroom Caps looked great. Service was great. Waitstaff, while appropriately brusque for a Streakhouse with this type of history and vibe, were outgoing, attentive, and helpful. Our waiter had an excellent working knowledge of the wine list; and made insightful recommendations on appetizers, sides, and portions. Oh, if you're craving dessert - I'd steer away from the Sparks Sampler. For $15pp, you'll get less quantity than you would if ordering the consistuent parts. Plus, all you really need is the Key Lime Pie, right?
(4)David A.
its one of the old money steak houses. the waits can be long and place is nothing to look at. they place is covered in cheapo repoduction paintings in gaudy frames but the food is good. The apps were ok, i would recommend the tartar because its a good portion but nothing special and the steak is great meat cooked just ok. The tables are oddly low and the chairs are cheap and ugly.. I want to be comfortable while i eat a steak, if they are going for an all boys club atmosphere they missed by a mile i wouldnt recommend this steakhouse but its not so bad i would avoid it at all cost..
(2)Andrew W.
Sparks falls into the category of NY restaurants that are veritable institutions where the only thing that changes are the prices. In cases like Peter Luger, Grimaldi's, Di Fara's and Katz's Deli, this is a good thing, for Sparks, which felt like all of those places you'd see in the Playbills of Broadway shows 25 years ago, maybe the advancement of the restaurant industry has been a good thing. For steak lovers, don't expect to see the usual options that are standard at any chain steakhouse, Porterhouse, NY Strip or Ribeye. They push their signature Filet Mignons and Sirloins here. Seriously, what guy do you know is into Filet? Overall, the food isn't terrible, but an average housewife can make the sides. My steak, the sirloin medium-rare was a good cut of meat, but seemed undersized (I'd estimate no larger than 12 oz.) and very unevenly seasononed. Some parts were almost inedibly salty, whereas others were about right. The wine list is what you would expect at a steak house. There are a number of good options under $75. Service is acceptable, but their attitude will definitely change by how much is being spent. Credit cards are accepted as well, but splitting the check will require advanced mathematics that is a high challenge for the staff. In the end, my experience here was fine, but I left thinking that I probably could have had the same or better at a mid-priced chain steakhouse like Texas Roadhouse or Outback for about half the cost.
(2)Alisha G.
Everyone is spot on saying you feel like you just walked into an old hollywood mob movie. I came here for a work dinner and all the (male) partners wanted to check the spot out for their notoriously large steaks and it's infamous mafia shooting back in the day. As a young female I was defintely somewhat out of place in this "boys club" feeling steak house. For me, I found it to be a fun experience. They have an extensive Italian wine list and a one page menu with all the classic apps and entrees that you would expect at an upscale steak and seafood spot. And it is no lie that these are by far the absolute largest steaks I have ever seen or attempted to devour. I ordered the filet and it was absolutely delicious and perfectly seasoned...and I could not finish it. Go for the unique atmosphere...or for the huge steaks, whatever motivates you more. Salute!
(4)Sophia H.
Get ready to feel like you're in the midst of a mafia movie. I came here last month in search of some good steak. I had read the reviews about this place on Yelp and people were right on the dot about the Mafia feeling you get when you're eating at Sparks. From the security/bouncers outside the restaurants to the waiters inside, I felt like I was reliving a scene out of an infamous Mafia movie. I am usually a filet mignon kinda girl, but this time I went with the 16 oz house prime rib. I was told by the waiter that this was the best item on the menu, and I wasn't ready to go against the mafia waiter's request. We ordered some sides and red wine with our dishes. Their wine list is pretty extensive. The steak turned out to be really good and for a small Asian girl, I was able to finish the entire 16 oz, which has to be a record for me. If that isn't an indication of whether or not the steak was good, I'm not sure what is.
(4)L E.
I went to Sparks with high expectations based on everything I had heard. I ordered shrimp/crab cocktails, Greens/Tomato Salad, Filet Mignon, Chocolate Truffle. The appetizer was excellent, salad ... just ok. The Filet I would describe as 16 oz and good, but I've had better in terms of the taste. It was also not cooked to requested doneness first time around. The dessert was the best part of the meal ... was fantastic! One thing which I was surprised at - I asked for a list of wines available by the glass and not only did it not exist, the waiter didn't know them. I thought this odd for such a fine restaurant. In their defense, he did bring a couple to the table for me to taste. I'd go back ... it was certainly good enough. But I believe Morton's and possibly DelFrisco's are better.
(4)Leslie C.
While I was in New York, I met up with my friends for dinner and one of them treated us all. Service was pretty good. Our servers were very attentive and nice. We had a raw oyster appetizer that was really delicious. I ordered the beef medallions which was also pretty good. Portions are big.
(4)David I.
The steaks here are fantastic. What else can you say? The sides are tasty as well, creamed spinach is my favorite. The last time I was here I proposed to my wife. It's still her favorite restaurant. This place and the Old Homestead are the best places for steak in town. The filet mignon is fantastic, rare of course. Enjoy the history and ambiance of this classic restaurant. If you aren't a regular or a New Yorker, be prepared for aloof waiters who just don't give a damn if you want them to be "nice."
(5)Jay P.
One of the best steak houses in New York City, maybe one of the best in the country. I've been going to Sparks since 2001 and it has never disappointed. On this most recent trip, my wife and I were celebrating our 30th anniversary in Manhattan (of course) and chose Sparks for our anniversary dinner. The steaks were perfect, medium rare. The salads and sides were equally impressive. Spark's has an extensive wine list. The service is top notch. The restaurant is located on East 46th between 2d and 3rd. If you're not familiar with the area, this is a quiet, leafy neighborhood just east of midtown.
(5)Rae F.
Prime Sirloin Steak - cooked medium rare as I requested - A-OK! Asparagus Side - Steamed + fresh - A-OK! Service - prompt, dry, old fashioned - A-OK! Decor - Nice, roomy, able to converse - A-OK! Deserts - !@#%R@$!$!#!@!! - Tartufo over berries and 2 choices of cakes...thats an art. A fooking masterpiece i say.
(3)Rich G.
Great service, nice atmosphere and a good steak by New York standards. I feel like some of Sparks' appeal comes from its place mafia history. You wont be unhappy you came here, but in the meat mecca of NYC that is Midtown East, you probably can find a better steak at Ben & Jacks or Wolfgangs.
(3)Liana L.
I ate here last week for my boyfriend's sister's birthday. I ordered the shrimp scampi and baked clams appetizer which I split with my boyfriend, though I wish I hadn't because it was SO DELICIOUS I could have eaten the whole thing. The shrimp were prepared very simply with butter, wine and garlic, as were the clams, with perfectly seasoned breadcrumbs. I could live on this stuff because it reminds me of my grandma's home cooking; simple, comforting, and best of all, YUMMY. For an entree I thought, what better to order in a steak house than, well, a steak? So of course I ordered the strip steak, medium rare, since I think a filet mignon is a wimpy girl's choice of meat (unless, of course, it's attached to a juicy, flavorful, manly porterhouse which they DID NOT HAVE here!....?!) It came out cooked perfectly, well seasoned, though a bit charred on the outside for my personal taste. Still delicious, though. On the side we enjoyed creamed spinach and the most HEAVENLY hash browns I've ever eaten. Just potato. No frills. Just delicious, buttery, crispy potato. The creamed spinach was "eh". I have a very strong feeling they used frozen spinach for this. We ordered the dessert sampler that was full of sweet treats including cheesecake, walnut pecan pie, tartufo, and fresh, ripe berries. We ripped it apart like a pack of wild wolves. On a less favorable note: this place seems stuck in time... in a bad way. It smells bad and musty in here, it's super dark, and they need new chair covers and carpeting. It's OK to have that "classic, old steakhouse" appeal but to look worn and tattered is NOT good or charming.
(3)Jake B.
Best steak in town. Old school feel. Great service. Excellent.
(5)Bradley G.
You walk up to the entrance. Someone in your group points at the sidewalk just in front of the door and says "That's where the Dude got shot", you sigh because it's literally the only thing you've been hearing about in relation to this spot and you pray that it ends there (it did thankfully). You walk in and instantly it's 1983 and you love it. I'm sorry but people maligning about the decor of a LANDMARK NYC steakhouse need to chill out. You don't fix what isn't broke! Sure it's dated but has it occurred to you that they may be trying to retain a classic steak house look? And now that every celebrity Chef and their Mother are opening "steak houses" that look more like Swedish massage parlors and making $$ hand over fist, I think it says a lot about a place that still refuses to change. I mean, in my opinion this is what every steak house should look like. Anyway, you order a NY strip medium rare and you get a NY strip medium rare sitting on a plate in a pool of it's juices or EXACTLY WHAT YOU SHOULD GET IN A STEAK HOUSE. If you want weird gelatinous green blobs and (it's hard for me to say this) marinades, then go to TGI fridays or even better, if you want the aforementioned and still pay the same amount then go to Bobby Flay Steak (it's also so modern and design-y looking). Maybe I'm old fashioned but a steak should only have salt and maybe pepper on it and thats it. The sides are great but they aren't the main attraction (and I assume this is intentional). All in all, this place is a great steakhouse that became a goliath because an infamous crook merged with the infinite right outside it's door in the 80's and ever since it's been trying to meet the expectations of people who for one reason or another enter it's doors thinking it's more than a steak house which it is most certainly not. Keep this in mind and you'll leave happier.
(3)Stephanie M.
Amazing experience! The price was not an issue when it came to this meal. Filet mignon was cooked crisp on the the top and rare inside.. cooked to perfection. I read about the "home fries" and my boyfriend and i cleaned the plate.. they were the best home fries ive ever had. We ordered a dozen oysters and lobster tails for app.. which we were hesitant about being that we knew we werent going to be disasppointed with the steak.. but im happy we did. Best apps ive had hands down. The wine list was extensive.. but if you have a great waiter like ours.. tell them what you are looking for and they will suggest the best wine you could ask for.. i cant wait to eat here again
(5)H N.
Huge portions of food in a historic unforgettable gangster atmosphere. A must see in new york
(5)Brett G.
Apparently, they can spot a newbie because they are the ones to ask for a menu. The reality is that there's only one thing on the menu that should be ordered and that is the Prime Sirloin. Well sized, perfectly cooked and absolutely delicious. There's no need to order anything else because that would just be foolish.... okay, sure, order the sides because you need your veggies, but that's it! There was a famous mob hit out the front the restaurant. One can only hope that he had already eaten, because this is a fine choice for a last meal. The best steak I've ever eaten. Highly recommended.
(5)Ricky C.
Honestly, this place is a solid 3.5 stars. I am a ribeye junkie so was a bit disappointed that only strip and filet were the only 2 options on the menu. But, I knew that going in because this classy establishment has been on my list for a while. I started w. the scottish smoked salmon. The salmon had a great smoked flavor and super fresh but the condiments that accompanied it was nothing to rave about. Simple red onions, some sort of pickled pepper and pumpernickel bread. I was a bit disappoiinted as I'm used to some sort of aioli as a spread. Now, to the supposed star of the show,, the steak. I ordered the prime strip and it was cooked and seasoned to our exact desire....close to burnt on the outside and close to rare on the inside. First bite was very interesting as the hot exterior and cool interior created quite a sensation. However, after a few more bites, I soon realized that the true marbled flavored that I'm used to w. a ribeye was not there. Overall, good experience and worth A vist.
(4)Michael N.
The food is solid here but more impressive is the service. There are just not many restaurants around that treat you this way anymore. Another thing is that you can take hours (which you may need) to eat all of the courses. The waiters are old school and will even debate with you as to your choices if they have a recommendation they feel might make the meal more enjoyable for you. Spill anything and they'll change the table cloth when you're done with the main course. There may be better steak houses in Manhattan but there aren't many who offer the same blue blood type of treatment as Sparks does. This is a great place for a business dinner or lunch (provided that no one is in a rush to get back to the office). They won't even bust your chops if you're not wearing a jacket or a suit but frankly the place deserves it so dress decent.
(4)David H.
Ate at Sparks with my wife last Thursday night. Food was great, service was even better. Probably the best service I've had at a dinner in NY in the five years that I've lived here. Our waiter, Rachid, was terrific. He was highly attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. He brought us refills on wine/beer without having to ask and brought us some extra sides as well. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a good NY steak house.
(5)Deborah H.
This is a very nice place to have a steak, my strip steak was lovely, sides were classic steak house type and nice Rhone to go with the meal. We liked the service-close but not hovering and very 'madam' which my mother would of loved. We were not rushed and loved the stories about what happened at this place-very old Manhattan. The pricing was no different from the other steak houses in NYC so get over it-food like this is pricey-so go where you know you will get a good meal.
(3)Layla M.
June 1, 2012. My first time in NYC and I'm meeting my sister who lives in Paris and two friends who live in London. We make reservations at Sparks steakhouse - because we couldn't get into Keens. No worries, we're looking forward to a big Manhattan steakhouse dinner and night out. We arrive there (four women) and are immediately ushered into bar to wait for our table. Shortly, we're seated in a charming, too bright room that's buzzing with patrons seemingly enjoying the evening. First waiter asks us if we want the menus. We wonder if he's joking. Second waiter, takes order, is minimally friendly with an Italian accent. Wine menu is a bit much, who has time to go through the entire thing? We look around and note mildly the absense of any non-caucasian diners, this being NY on a Friday night. Food arrives. Served by the most hostile aryan-brotherish waiter I have ever laid my eyes on outside a Tarantino movie. He wordlessly, with bristling hostility, dumps our food infront on us. We look at him as if he's insane and ask him what exactly he's trying to accomplish by his hostile demeanor. He dismisses us by saying he knew who was having what. Second waiter comes by and we communicate our unhappiness as such blatant hostility and rudeness. He dismisses us with 'I hope you enjoy your meal ladies'. The food is alright, not great for the prices and hype, and we're not that hungry at this point. We go seek manager, an Egyptian character who fancies himself quite the charmer. He expresses alarm at our experience in different dramatic little ways and orders us to have desert or 'anything, ladies, anything!'. We inform him we need to pay this ridiculous bill and leave now, and could he fire those bastards who think we came here for a free dinner. He disappears and we pay and leave. As we're leaving, he returns begging us to come in so that he can sort this out. My company goes back in and I remain outside enjoying the lovely Manhattan air. At which point he comes to the door and orders loudly for me to PLEASE COME IN, PLEASE! I chuckle and go in to see what the fuss now is. The story ends with us being sitted on the bar side, plied with champagne, cognac, dessert and saccharine charm from this manager. At one point he is hitting on one of my friends and attempting to kiss our hands, urgh. After a time, when we're certain that he thinks that he's been successful at his attempt at 'service recovery', and we're sufficiently buzzed, we vacated the premises, scathing reviews fermenting. I'm happy to report all other restaurants we went to that weekend had excellent service.
(1)Kelin C.
When for vacation with my husband from Cali.... Man i wanted to die after i ate the steak i got high :) thats how gooood it was. Planning our next trip just for that one steak.
(5)Adam B.
Good steak and much better than my experience at Bobby Van's. Still wasn't overly impressed but I am a tough critic when it comes to steaks and am usually disappointed.
(4)Justin S.
Something about Sparks just screams old school steak house. The decor is fantastic. The steaks are high quality. This place draws a very big business crowd, in fact I have only been here for business. So you will see lots of suits and steaks. There is a nice downstairs room for a party here as well.
(5)Lorelei D.
Sat at the bar for drinks. Bartenders were very friendly and accommodating. Great wine selection and good hash browns. Will go back for dinner.
(3)Dana K.
I crave that first salty crunchy then tender juicy bite of New York sirloin steak at Sparks. The steak comes out with a slightly charred outside, but then rare on the inside. Each bite is flavorful and juicy. I can't get enough... From the moment you enter, the black tie guys whisk you to your seat. Walter is my guy and always has a table for us. Sparks used to be always packed with business guys, sprinkled with a few tourists. These days I notice the crowd a little thinner, but still a hit with large groups of men dining on the company account. I like to start with something "healthy." As if it makes a difference, as I will be soon devouring a huge piece of marbled steak cooked in butter and salt. Something "healthy" like the asparagus salad - cold asparagus, blanched and then served in spears over a little romaine lettuce and vinagrette. I've also had the shrimp cocktail, and caprese salad before. I kind of like the simplicity of the asparagus. Their cocktail sauce needs doctoring, which you can do with the horseradish, tabasco and lemon they provide you with. I find they lean towards rare in their cooking - so I ask for medium, and it comes out cooked on the ends, but red on the inside. We usually get the creamed spinach, which I would say is average, and the hash brown potatoes. The potatoes are also probably cooked for ages in butter until soft, browned and crispy, but I can't get enough of them. Sigh. Lastly, they serve great ice cream. I forget the brand - but it's from Philadelphia and is really rich, creamy ice cream. They sometimes offer to make a fresh fruit platter with ice cream and schlag. It's SO good. When I feel like my arteries have unclogged a little from my last meal at Sparks, I'll be back.
(5)Chandler V.
if you like good steaks and good service when in NY then this is the place for you
(5)Mario D.
Perhaps the best steak I've had in my life, tender and well seasoned. I asked for it medium and there was a beautiful pink center - unlike other places where I asked for medium and it comes out well done. Service was excellent and professional; our server knew the menu and was able to provide suggestions and guidance. We had cheesecake and cappuccino for dessert and it was excellent. Definitely will return.
(5)John P.
Spark's is okay, but not as good as Peter Lugers. I recommend ordering the prime sirloin steak with a side of creamed spinach and hashed browns. It actually is a good idea to share the steak with someone because it's too big for one person. I ended up taking half the steak home. The service is good, and the dining room is large and nicely decorated. Prices are high.
(3)Ben D.
Longtime classic steakhouse that still gets it right. The prime sirloin, if not the best strip in NY is definitely towards the top of the list. Lobster is done the way it's supposed to be, steamed and succulent. Decor is a bit dated but when eating well executed staples might as well do it in a classic setting.
(4)Jackson L.
I was here for a business meeting a few weeks ago. Not a bad place per se but bad because nothing set it apart from say Ruth's Chris. I'd come back but only if I had to. Prices are what you'd expect. Service is good. But something doesn't feel quite right. My steak wasn't cooked right... It was prepared a second time for me and better but the server gave me an attitude.
(2)Natalie G.
The service was impeccable! From the doorman upon entering to the magical tablecloth change after our entrees, felt like true 5 star dining. The lamb was so tender it melted in my mouth and tho a bit salty I thoroughly enjoyed every bite. Our server threw in complementary desserts to compensate for my entrée and said he regretted not knowing in advance to get me something more appetizing. But I hate to complain, so my own fault. Overall I'll definitely be going back.
(5)Ben C.
must visit steakhouse.
(5)Charles E.
Sparks is great. Bustling and busy without the craze at some of its competitors. Waiters are "New York," without being either self conscious caricatures or jerks. (At least mostly.) Tables are spaced far enough apart that you can converse and don't have to hear about a stranger's hernia surgery. The wine list is not only huge but fairly priced. And, last but not least, the steaks are great. The sirloin is the way to go! New York has a lot of good steakhouses. Don't overlook this one.
(5)Alex L.
Have always wanted to eat at Sparks and last night it finally happened. It was everything I hoped it would be - a large, spacious, handsome room with large tables for all. Our filet mignons were phenomenal and so big you really don't need anything else besides a salad (make sure you add roquefort). The lump crab & scallops appetizer was equally great and you can't go wrong with the Mixed Berries Romanoff for dessert. Sparks is a part of NYC history and is Old New York at its finest. It's not cheap but it's worth every penny.
(4)William K.
My wife and two sons went to Sparks on Thursday April 9th on the advice of our driver Gary. We always go there when we vacation in the city but were hesitant after reading bad press about union problems. GLAD WE WENT! The food was, as always fabulous; the wait staff was better than ever! Go to Sparks steakhouse if you want great food, great service and great atmosphere. And forget about those guys outside!! William K
(5)TT N.
Food was good! Service was great! I'm glad that I finally made here. But I gotta stay true to my roots (west-coast), and there's nothing coming between "CUT" and I. It's definitely an experience !
(4)Mike M.
Great steaks! I really enjoyed everything. The porterhouse for two was extremely tender, juicy and full of flavor ordered it medium rare and it was spot on. The creamed spinach was was superb. I would diffidently return again.
(4)A K.
Old style ny institution. Like you see in old Movies. Service is quick and friendly without being intrusive. Food was great. Limited choice but whatever they serve is good. The mushroom caps were out of the world.
(4)Dave H.
I gave Sparks 4 stars. It's not 3 and it's not 5. It's an institution. On my way out, a big drunk dude gave me props on my attire and tan. Under other circumstances he might have beaten me up. Totally weird. Institutions have their crazies and you can read their reviews here. And they have their guards and their routines. That is this place. I went to Sparks first around 1999 before Wolfgang's, Capital Grille, Strip House, etc. It was a Wollensky Lugar Palm universe. In that class, it did great. Now it is an institution and it has its habits. They are steady and reliable. Don't come here for a transcendent meal or friendly service. Come here to enjoy the great meat, great seafood, some good drinks, people watching, etc. This last trip I had the Steak Fromage. If you are like me and love beef and Blue cheese, go for this. Oysters are excellent. The ones I had tonight biggest ever. I am sure I will go back, not this year, but sometime, And I will have a martini, some oysters, a steak and some red wine. And that crazy drunk guy will be right outside the restaurant smoking a butt just like he was tonight.
(4)Ash D.
Great consistent food!! Waiters can be a little rushy but I think that's because most people know what they want when coming here. They always aim to please. I love what I've ordered each time.
(5)Michael B.
Several years ago me and 8 other friends, had the best steak of my life. Returned with 8 others to relive the experience and unfortunately, we all had different cuts of steak and the quality was a disappointment.. Sorry
(3)Katie G.
Great steakhouse! Of course expensive, but how would you expect to pay less than $55 for a filet in Manhattan at an old institution like Sparks? Food was great.... Especially the sautéed spinach. Would love to give 5 stars, but wine was a bit too pricy even for this place. A tad too bright too for my taste but overall, great, solid place.
(4)Terri M.
Great steak with prices to match. The decor is old school but it sorta, kinda works I suppose. Maybe an update is in order but who am I to judge. People have been coming here for a long time and maybe they like it just the way it is. I had the Caesar salad and the sirloin. The sirloin was juicy, tender and most importantly full of flavor. The salad was good but not great although they certainly gave me enough so no complaints there. Everyone who served us was attentive and couldn't be faulted. I enjoyed my time here.
(4)EvolvingX Y.
My first visit i had the Steak and wine. OMG The best STEAK!!!! My mouth is still drooling, can't wait till my next visit to NYC!!
(5)Kevin O.
Best customer service I have experienced. Not to mention that the food was great. I love when you go to a restaurant and they have the team approach when servicing the tables.
(4)Stephanie S.
The service is flawless. The gentlemen that work here truly are polite and are as classy as can be. The reason for the low star level is because despite the fact that we meticulously chose the best items on the menu, my boyfriend and I (who have significantly different digestive systems) got immediately sick soon after leaving. It is puzzling to comprehend what in this beautiful place could have caused such a painful burden, but it did. The amount of money you spend is high and it complements the greatness of the taste, but developing stomach issues shortly after dining here completely cancels out the point of this outing.
(2)Bradley M.
Steak is terrific, service, sides, and drinks less so. Atmosphere is also unmatched. Unfortunately, had trouble when ordering drinks. Ordered a 2008 bottle off the wine list, and they brought out the 2010 and told me they didn't have the 2008 in stock. Fine, but why do you list it as 2008, and why are you trying to offer the 2010 at the same price, and why didn't you tell me when I ordered instead of trying to pass it off as the same thing? We then went with cocktails instead, my whisky was fine, but my companion ordered a French 75 and they didn't know how to make it. Again, fine, this isn't a cocktail bar, but the French 75 is a classic. Anyway, instead of telling us they couldn't do the drink, they brought out a gin and tonic on the rocks, we sent it back and they just brought it out again - gin and lemon over rocks in a highball glass is not what we ordered but that's all they could manage. Twice, even when told. If you come, enjoy the truly great meat, avoid the Caesar salad, try the very nice prosciutto and melon, but make sure you are paying attention if you are ordering wine or drinks.
(3)Kim H.
This place has gone down hill. For the price you would expect the best steak around. The only saving grace if you are a tourist is that it isn't crowded, has historical value (John Gotti whacked Paul Castellano outside the restaurant), and it is in midtown near all the hotels. Although it is way on the East Side!
(3)Randolph W.
So, I survived my first visit to the famous Sparks Steakhouse. Famous for their steaks and their mob shootings (although they would say technically the shooting was outside of the restaurant near the street/curb). For those who don't know what I'm talking about - Google it "Mob boss assassination in 1985 at Sparks Steakhouse". Besides the occasional look over my shoulder to check my back for an approaching Joe Pesci, I was enjoying the massive filet mignon, various side items and the red wine (which was really good - I think it was a Krugers Cabernet). I will return!
(4)Gil V.
Awesome food and and amazing service. The stake look amazing 17oz made to perfection. Old school stake house
(5)George K.
I went here for lunch. We were seated quickly and everyone was very polite. I don't drink but i noticed the massive wine selection. My friend had the lamb chops which I tried and they were great. I had the steak with mushrooms. The steak could have been a bit bigger but was delicious and prepared very well. It was among the best I have had in nyc. It is worth going here and I will probably go again. The environment was a bit stuffy but that can be expected and the artwork on the walls was great. They also have seafood such as shrimp. I recommend going here at least once . Food came out quickly and we were even offered complimentary coffee. The price was as expected for a top steakhouse in nyc
(4)H G.
An amazing experience from start to finish. We finished our weekend trip to NYC with our kids in perfect NYC fashion. We love the history of this restaurant as well as the decor, and we loved seeing big closing dinners and intimate dinners taking place all around us. The wait staff were total professionals, and they made our 4 kids feel very grown up as they brought our drinks, appetizers, entrees, and desserts. One child ate the rack of lamb, another ate a huge steak, and the two little ones split the grilled shrimp dish. The food was delicious and we finished everything. The desserts were out of this world, and we even let our kids take out their phones (which they don't do at dinner) to take pictures of them! In the end, the kids each got a special Sparks pin to bring home. How cool. A total classic.
(5)Tina C.
Family dinner for party of four + plus one + good quality wine = GOOD TIMES! Our immediate party of three arrived on time via MTA subway rather than a revival scene of Gambino mafia boss Paul Castellano's entrance leading to his assassination. We all skipped appetizers and went straight to the entree because portions are HUGE. Salads are also huge portions but it is the meat that is the shining star for your reason to patronize Sparks. You must come hungry and must be carnivore's gluttony feast. Sadly, there was no room for dessert. Sparks Steakhouse also have gargantuan lobsters in three sizes: 3 to 3.5 lbs OR 4 to 4.5 lbs. OR 5 to 5.5 lbs. Three ladies ordered Medallions of Beef, served with Bordelaise sauce and fresh mushrooms. I am not a mushroom fan and there were entirely too much on my plate. The Bordelaise sauce was rather dry and very minimal. I did not taint the entree by adding condiments as I wanted to taste the Bordelaise sauce. Prime Sirloin Steak, a boneless shell steak from premium steers Sliced Steak with Sauteed onion and red peppers Libation: one glass of Cabernet Sauvignon Customer service is phenomenal and they exceeded our needs and expectations. A mandatory coat check is required. Facilities are clean with Brill automatic toilet seat covers. The menu is huge about 20 inches X 25 inches and written legible for elderly eyes to see without being strain. Atmospheric conditions are filled with antique furniture and the walls are lined with gilt-frame paintings of the Hudson River School. The section of quality wine and sparkling wine are gargantuan as nearby the coat check area wine bottles are on display for purchase or to accompany with your steak dinner. I now have Sparks Steakhouse business card in my collection. Reservations are highly recommended as I made mine via OpenTable.com but no Sparks do not participate in their dining points program. Semi-formal attire for this glitzy high-end steakhouse is highly recommended. No annoying TVs screens are blaring in the background and soft music is playing overhead so I our party of five's conversation was audible and transmitted clearly. This restaurant is street level for mobility accessible to all including the physical challenged. Note: Sparks Steakhouse is the site where mafia boss of the Gambino family, Paul Castellano was assassination by the notorious mob boss, John Gotti in 1985. After Castellano's death he was succeeded by John Gotti to become the mafia boss of the Gambino family, controversial without permission for appointment. The man exited his car en route to dinner but was assassinated... oh man, at least let the man enjoy his steak-- even Jesus was allowed to have his Last Supper before his death.
(5)Gabriel G.
Ambiance: 5/5 The decor is classic NY steakhouse, upscale, ruggedly sophisticated, and very fitting given the place's storied past. The fully stocked bar should be able to accommodate any patron and they have an extensive wine list. The wait staff is very professional and service was swift and attentive without being intrusive. Selection: 3/5 No porterhouses here. You have the choice between filet or sirloin. What they lack for in selection they make up for with the quality of these choice cuts. Quality: 5/5 To start we had the crab meat and scallops appetizer. Its more scallop than crab but who's complaining? As an entree I had the filet which was thick cut and had a soft, almost buttery, texture. Cooked to a perfect medium rare and seared just right with a great crispy outer layer. The seasoning is on the plain side for the filet (my friend's sirloin which I sampled had a much bolder flavor) but the texture is really just so great. The creamed spinach was the perfect side to go with the meal. The spinach is VERY creamy, like almost-a-soup creamy. I loved it, but I can see people expecting something entirely different. Verdict: 5/5 Spark's is definitely deserving of its reputation for being among the best steakhouses in NY. I knock them for only offering two cuts, but they do it so well there is little else to find fault in. Whether or not Spark's is the best is debatable, but they are certainly a top tier steakhouse that any steak lover would be remiss to overlook.
(5)Martin H.
I have eaten dinner here a couple of times while in New York City and I must say it's one of my favourite steakhouses and I have been to a lot of them! The waiters are friendly and funny. The prime sirloin is just lovely. Eat it medium rare! My favourite side dish is the sauted onions. Oysters and shrimp cocktails are really good as starters. The Romanoff is the perfect dessert. A loud and rowdy steakhouse that I really can recommend!
(5)Karen H.
Visited Sparks about three years ago but I'm new to the yelp reviews. Atmosphere was cool, mostly men just from the office by the looks of their attire. I was one of the only women patrons there but everyone was super friendly. Waitstaff was really attentative and professional. Drinks were always full and our waiter was quick to get us anything we needed. Food was delicious, I ordered the sirloin and chocolate mousse cake for dessert. I will be back the next time I visit nyc.
(5)Art H.
The greatest steak house on the planet. Better than Lugers and everywhere else. Get the Sirloin, the crabmeat bay scallops app and a good red Bordeaux. It will be the greatest meal of your life!!
(5)Jessica G.
Went for a birthday, had a drink at the bar, the bar tender was so sweet and very friendly. We ordered appetizers, shrimp cocktail as well as crab meat cocktail. The shrimp were very big and the cocktail sauce was so good. We all ordered the prime steak hw oh was so good and seasoned perfectly. For sides we got sautéed mushrooms which were good except some of them were burnt. Dessert- we got pecan pie with ice cream. Do good and some of the best pie I've ever had. I def recommend this place and wod come again for a fancy dinner. Dress code is formal, but we did see some people with jeans and a nice shirt.
(5)Michael R.
After residing across from Sparks Steakhouse for nearly a year and a half my girlfriend and I would imagine what it would be like to actually dine at the restaurant. Low and behold I receive a gift card to visit Sparks for my birthday and while I could barely contain my excitement for finally having a chance to dine at this fine establishment the actual experience turned out to be less than ideal. The Experience: When my girlfriend purchased the gift card the bartender who processed the transaction did not produce an actual card, but rather a receipt. He assured her time and time again that the receipt would be valid as proof of purchase and they would accept it. I'm sure you can figure out what transpired, once the check arrived it was a 35 minute argument with a trio of waiters who were trying to determine the validity of the gift receipt since the genius bartender did not actually give her a physical card. This completely soured the entire experience for me and for her as well. I can tell you that the waiters were border line rude while they interrogated my girlfriend. The Food: While the wine list is impressive, the food was just okay. I've had better steaks elsewhere. When I asked the waiter what the recommendation was he mentioned the Prime Sirloin. It seemed dry, and although I did order it Medium it just didn't live up to the hype. The Solution: The next day I spoke to a manager on the phone who offered to make the situation right by crediting the meal charge and zero-ing out the "gift receipt". Honestly, this didn't really seem like it was enough to justify our very poor experience at this restaurant. I assume since this place had 3/4 of it's staff on strike for almost a year we were stuck with the B Team. The Recommendation Walk a couple of blocks north on 3rd Avenue to Smith and Wollensky's.
(2)Steve K.
Sparks is a NY institution...and fine choice to bring guests from out of town. If you have any European guests, they will marvel at the NY portion size--no French Nouvelle Cuisine sizes here! Besides...how many places have a history of a murder of Mafias bosses? Dinner and service was excellent in all regards on a Wednesday nite...with eye-popping prices to match. Reservation was honored on time 7 pm. Professional, attentive service. Chose the Prime Sirloin Steak, perfectly cooked medium rare. Hefty portion size. Appetizer of clams on half-shell...most fresh mollusks. And sides of hash brown potatoes (don't miss), asparagus, and creamed spinach shared among our party of 4 Wine was a fine Stag's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon...good value at about 2x retail. Hello, restaurants, follow Sparks' lead! Also, Sparks offers a fine selection of bourbons. Selected a glass of Angel's Envy Rye, a rare item. Sparks had it. Served neat. Server took care to correctly explain it is a Rye...not a Bourbon. Nice Touch: Replaced our soiled white linen tablecloth unobtrusively. When a meal is quality, hard to gripe about prices. But $55+ for a steak and no sides? Everyone's budget will vary...I'd plan on $150-200 per person Tips: * Private rooms available * Don't hesitate...two people can share one entrée * Lunch is probably the best value if from out of town
(5)Mike P.
Still doing it right after all these years. The service is exceptional and attentive without being intrusive. The food is on the money. All of the meats are cooked spot on to order. The highlights of their meats are the Sirloin and the Lamb Chops. While everything is good, those are the two dishes that truly shine here. The wine list is extensive, and I was impressed by the organization. Not even a minute passed between us ordering our bottle and it being brought to our table. Aside from steaks, they have a wonderful selection of seafood dishes. You can feel safe bringing the meat-averse in your party here. Everything is a la carte. There are ample side dishes, with multiple versions of potatoes, vegetables and mushrooms. The prices are high, but not out of line for what you'd expect at a fine steakhouse in Manhattan. The sides and salads could be a little more reasonable, but there are no real surprises. The salad portions are HUGE, and they are more than happy to split them amongst 2-3 people. They even suggest as much. The ambiance is old-school. Arguably a little too old-school. Wall to wall framed paintings in multiple levels. Velvet Carpet... Sparks is still one of NYC's premiere steakhouses. However, it's definitely in need of some updates or a makeover. It simply feels a bit dated.
(4)Nancy S.
My review is for a work dinner. We had a private room that housed about 40 people. Typically in large group settings, I expect mediocre service. And as expected, the service was poor. I had to ration my one glass of water paired with my overly dried steak and bland spinach. Luckily I snacked on some chocolate candy pieces I found in my purse to hold me over. After my meal, I made my way to coat check, in which they forced me to check in when I first entered. And then to find out they charge for coat check. Morton's Steak has far better service and food for a private party. And coat check was included. In summary, don't go here. They don't treat their customers right and clearly they don't care for their employees as exemplified by the picket fence of on-strike workers outside the restaurant. One star for the atmosphere.
(1)Stacy B.
Only thing tasty here was the crab appetizer..the $55.00 filet mignon was overcooked.the $45.00. Chilean sea bass..dry just boring no taste.. just a piece of fish..$10.00 sides..didn't even eat..just salty potato hash.. you pay for the white table cloth I guess. Won't go back..waste of money..I don't care if it's famous for the mob criminal activity..ugh.. I would spend my money at Morton's steakhouse instead.
(1)John R.
Big steaks. Well priced wine list. One of the best dinners you will ever have and you will keep coming back (like I do).
(5)Gwen R.
Not worth the money. I ordered buffalo mozzarella as an appetizer and it was sour! Our steaks were medium rare instead of medium and the Bourgogne sauce tasted like it was made with bouillon cubes. The only good thing we ate were the baked potatoes.
(1)David C.
What a disappointment from the last time, I hate to feel this way after a long drive from New Jersey to have a great meal with my gf. We arrived for our reservation around 8:45 and there were staff still picketing outside. We went inside and noticed that the large dinning area was closed off on the left side and was told to wait by the bar for our table. We ordered a drink and had a brief conversation with the bartender regarding the strike. He said that Sparks hired like 25 new servers but to my calculation there were less than 25 servers and staff put together in the dinning area. We were seated shortly . We felt like we were in a diner after 3am with people running around like crazy. We sat in a table in the middle of the dinning area , crammed like sardines. The waiter quickly came and dropped off menus and took off like a groom with cold feet. The bread server came over and dropped the bread on the floor while putting it on our plates, but not only once but twice and he left the bread on the floor. He said he would come back and he never did. Our server came and took our order and quickly left. Our appetizer came, we ordered the crab meat with scallops which was good but looks like they skimmed out on the dish. Our dinner came and it was ok but definitely not like the last few times we were there. Here is the low down: Lack of staff and lack of experience. Looks like they put an add on Craigslist looking for pt waiters and found them. There seems to be lack of love in the preparation of the food. If they don't step up we won't be going back there, I'm sure they really don't care because some people are not so critical but if I'm paying over $55 for a piece of steak then I am allowed to be critical.
(2)Alison C.
I am not the hugest steakhouse aficionado, but when I had the chance to purchase a discounted Sparks Steak House gift card, I jumped on it. After two years of having it on file, I finally got around to using it the other night. Upon entering the space, I had mixed feelings about the décor. Something about the old school steakhouse vibe had been translated into something less masculine and sexy (like at Keen's, for example) and more like a cheesy chain restaurant (think Bennigan's). My hopes and dreams sank a bit, but I also knew that this place had been around for years and was very well established. I vowed to continue to my seat, though I encountered service that certainly was as cold, boring, and lame as most other steakhouses, with our waiter acknowledging us with a slight air of disgust! While our side dish of Sautéed Mushrooms was extremely greasy and unexciting, the Filet Mignon was sheer perfection!! The meat was perfectly cooked to my Medium request and had that thinly charred crust that embodied a flawlessly cooked piece of beef. Despite a mediocre experience otherwise, I would return to Sparks solely for the Filet Mignon without a question.
(3)Pearl A.
Ordered the 3 1/2 pound fresh lobster. When it was delivered to us, the server joked saying it was 'Larry.' Oh no- can't name the food -lol. Lobster was very good. The cheesecake came with fresh berries. The Manhattan drink was good! This was an iconic spot, we had read the history of this place.
(4)Rick B.
Sparks Steak House...July 2014 - 4 Stars: just imagine you're hearing the tune to The Godfather. I came early with my wife and we had a seat at the well-worn bar waiting for our dining partners (a euphemism for our two grown children) - something we haven't done in 25 years. This sizeable bartender wandered over and mumbled something like - "What'll it be?" Or maybe he mumbled - "Hurry up or I'll spike your hand to the bar-top with a knife." He was a dead ringer for Luca Brasi, Vito Corleone's personal enforcer from The Godfather. And this is all not just posturing and pretense. Sparks Steak House was made famous by John Gotti staging the assassinations of the Gambino crime family bosses Paul Castellano and Thomas Bilotti in 1985 ... so this place just drips made-men. Oh yeah, they also have great steaks. Neat rooms and ambiance - two main rooms (the also have ten or so private rooms for parties), separated by the bar area, all made up with old-world wood-paneled décor, and glass and mirrors. Tables with table cloths, great wine lists, attentive if gruff all-male wait staff, and you won't leave hungry. Clubby feel and absolutely everyone mumbles ... Zagat rated it one of the top steak houses in New York City and you can see why. Collared shirt should be your minimum. They will serve you even if you come in shorts, but you will certainly feel way out of place. The maître-d's both wear tuxes...so if you show up in shorts - even fancy ones - they'll probably tuck you in a back corner ... and who knows what could happen back there. Just kidding, but it is a more-than-casual place. Plan on spending $100 per in this steak palace ... and remember it is a steak house not a fish place. While I am sure their fish and seafood is wonderful, they bill themselves as "the Fort Knox of fine aged prime beef" ... capisce? For dinner our table had both baked and hash brown potatoes, we split mushroom caps, and for the entrees two had the prime sirloins, one had the filet, and one had the lobster and shrimp - all very nicely done, presented, and prepared ... we had the beef medium and all three were perfect pink. Have fun with the wines - you can find something by the bottle from $60 to $1,500 and they are excellent. We had a French burgundy and it was very nice and paired up with the beef perfectly. So when you are in Midtown Manhattan and in the mood for beef, you won't go wrong finding your way over to Sparks on 46th Street, and in easy walking distance from many hotels.
(4)Barbara G.
I went for lunch at Sparks last year after A hiatus if many years. It was not how I remembered it at all! The steak was small, very dry. And way overpriced. To say I was disappointed is an understatement! In addition, I stopped in to speak to the manager and he/she did not do me the courtesy if coming out to speak with me. Clearly, there is now very little respect for their clients. The last few months had been very difficult fir patrons, workers, AND strikers who have made the neighborhood a hostage to their antics. With all the great restaurants in the area, I would not return to Sparks--ever. What a shame!
(1)renje g.
+++ - Filet is HUUUGGGEEEEE!!!!! I got four meals out of it - Cheesecake is soft and not very dense, the crust is light as well ++ - Steak and fromage is my second favorite, that too, is a large portion, but not as big as filet - Veal cutlet was delicious
(4)Stephanie L.
I walked onto Sparks hoping for a quintessential steakhouse experience... and that's exactly what I got. Ambiance: dark wood interior with red fabric accents. Exactly what I expect (and want) from a steak serving man-cave. Food: excellent. The mozzarella de bufala with tomato was perfect. Wild greens and tomato salad looked delicious and light. I had the trout that was cooked perfectly, served open and deboned while easy to separate from the skin. The filet mignons I saw were HUGE! Easily double or triple the size of the petite filets usually seen. Perfectly cooked and cut like butter too. Sides are a la carte. Spinach was cooked perfectly and not at all drenched in oil as many other places do. Special salute to the hash brown potatoes. This is normally not my deal, but these we're ASTOUNDING. Imagine a baked potato cut in larger pieces, seared/ blackened (not burnt) and perfectly seasoned. It's everything I've ever looked for in a potato. Service was attentive and very friendly - even for the 40-50 person group I was with. Definitely a good spot for groups of any size.
(4)Jess M.
I'm so upset about our experience. A group of 12 of us are visiting from Texas, celebrating my dad's 50th birthday by watching the ball drop on NYE, this is the last night of our trip and isn't sending us home on a great note. The food is EXCELLENT when they actually bring it to you. Never got our salads, the waiter was in 0 ways helpful. Took forever to get drinks, had to repeat orders and send incorrect things back. We asked a waiter if there was a cool, local/dive, close, karaoke bar around his condescending response, "do you have phones? Then Yelp it.".... As an avid LOVER and consulter of Yelp, I'm not knocking it at all... But HE LIVES HERE.. The reason we asked in the first place was because he lives here. Don't think I can talk any of them into coming back.
(2)Barry P.
I wanted to add something about my visit to Sparks. The comment that "I didn't care" was not meant that I don't care about the servers that are protesting. I don't care meant that it wasn't stopping me from eating. The protestors were very rude calling us names and shooting birds. I had no clue what was going on until we got there, I hope they work things out. I left a $70 tip and there were only two of us eating. I hope they work things out or find a better place to work. Too many places to work in NYC to waste time trying to change management and harass customers. I hope they resolve things in a timely manner.
(5)Justin S.
With a restaurant of this stature, it is unacceptable for the management to mistreat their staff and have a protest outside their restaurant. The service was horrible because the staff quit. The food was decent.
(2)Joya J.
My family was visiting from out of town and I brought them here. The waitstaff was attentive and super helpful. Our waiter in particular was fabulous. We weren't sure on which sides and wine to get, so we asked our waiter his recommendations. We ended up following his suggestions (Cabernet Sauvignon, potatoes, asparagus) and we were not disappointed. Delicious. The portion sizes are huge. The steak was incredible- juicy and flavorful. The restaurant itself is a great, welcoming atmosphere. I'll be back for sure!
(5)Erwin B.
I was there on Friday....let's just say it was an experience. After being bombarded with the protesters' chants of "DON'T GO IN!" and being screamed at, we went in. The front of the house was pretty chaotic, as you can tell that the front was being bombarded by rattled patrons that did not know what was going on. We retreated to the bar, got ourselves some mixed drinks (they don't serve beer here). Afterwards, everything went as smooth as can possibly be. You can tell that they were understaffed and workers were out of their elements (bussers becoming servers, servers becoming waiters, bartenders helping out, etc.). There were a few mix ups here and there, but nothing that would make us want to leave. Overall, the food was excellent. I truly recommend the prime sirloin. That's basically all they should serve, to be honest. To die for. I want to give this place 5 stars, especially with all of its history and old NYC ties. I'm just upset I didn't get to take pictures outside the place (yeah, a touristy thing to do would've been to lay on the sidewalk.).
(4)Lewis K.
DO NOT GO HERE I spend a lot of time in steakhouses. For years I have maintained a top 10 list of steakhouses in NYC. For years Sparks has maintained the number one position. Yes, ahead of Luger, Wollensky, etc. unfortunately, this restaurant has drastically changed and there is a constant battle between staff and management. This past week upon arriving to the restaurant I was confronted by protestors/picketers outside the front of sparks. At first I thought it was a demonstration regarding the Fergusson shootings. After gaining access to the restaurant I learned that the people outside were the entire staff who has decided to walk out of work in the middle of dinner time. I learned that the sparks staff are union workers and they are not happy with their contract. Apparently they feel they are not being treated as fairly as other steakhouses treat their employees. My advice to the staff: if you are not happy with your employer then maybe it's time to leave and seek employment elsewhere. My advice to management: if you are aware of a possible labor action affecting your ability to serve your customers then a courtesy notification should be given to anyone with a pending reservation. Goodbye old friend it was an enjoyable 22 years.
(1)Ryan R.
The staff is on strike because of mgmt/owner abuse and stealing their tips. So the restaurant has temps waiting the tables. I had the worst service from these temps I've ever had to endure. They mean well, but are totally clueless. Management seemed to care more about taking my money than ensuring my satisfaction. If I, a paying customer is this mistreated, then I can only imagine how horrible they treat their staff who staged a walk out. Oh, and my food was cold.
(1)Sonia K.
I've been wanting to go to Sparks since the last time I've been was nearly 20 years ago. I've been going to Wolfgang's, Del Frisco, etc...so, wanted to go back to the old-school steakhouse. All was good except my steak was more done than thought. But, all in all, this is about a four for its huge portions and fairly good quality steaks, and great appetizers. I would not recommend this to small eaters, or sophisticated connoisseurs.
(4)Francois D.
This steakhouse is great. Best I've ever been to. I've only come here three times (I live in DC, not NY, so don't get up much), but every time it's been wonderful. I don't understand the complaints at all. My steak is always nicely cooked, with a great char, fantastic flavor, and proper center (it probably helps that I usually ask for medium, because small deviations from that are less noticeable than small deviations from rare or medium-rare in my opinion, but still). Summaraizing my three trips, the first time was really basic. I came up with a friend to see some shows, and we decided to have dinner. Steak was excellent as already said. We had some sides though, and I'll admit that's the one weak spot here (or it was then at least). The sides I ordered were overpriced (sort of expected), but poorly cooked. Overcooked and soggy. Disappointing really, and I never ordered sides there again. That certainly didn't ruin the meal though. This is the only trip where I experienced the "overly abrasive waiter" syndrome some other people have talked about. It wasn't a problem though. He did his job pretty well regardless of silence. Second time I went out with two people when in town for a little convention. They ended up being underdressed (it's definitely a place for shirts or nice t-shirts with a dress jacket on top or something, although that's not an enforced policy). So it was a bit awkward. Out waiter was really nice this time though, and made everyone feel ok. We got a table a bit out of the way, but weren't jammed into a hidden corner or anything. The wine list was (and still is) pretty fantastic (unless you're looking for whites). The third and most recent time I went up alone to NY a few weeks ago to look for a sofa. I got there a bit before opening and was allowed to hang out at the bar from 4:30 till 5:00. It's a really nice bar, and the barkeeper was a good guy. The steak, again, was fantastic. I ordered a bottle of wine (which I probably/definitely shouldn't have, being alone.....) and ended up spilling half a glass on the table cloth towards the end, when my coordination had sort of vanished. The waiter was really good about it. Maybe it's because I left a decent tip... but even so. Pretty embarrassing, but he did a good job making me feel ok and, prior to that, provided excellent service through the meal. Every time I've gone has been on the earlier end of things (5-6:00), so maybe that's impacted me having better service than some people report? The place really does start to get packed as the evening goes on. Anyways - very atmospheric restaurant with very high quality steak, and a very nice (red) wine list. The waiters (in my experience) have always been really helpful and on top of things, without doing any of that hovering you sometimes get from overanxious waiters. I love this place, and will definitely go back the next time I have an excuse to visit NYC. I wish there was somewhere to match in DC.
(5)Benazir A.
I am prefacing this with saying that maybe my steak taste buds have just died because between this place and Quality Meats, I'm confused as to why I hated both meals. The service was great and the wine selection is fairly extensive but I asked for steak medium, it came out medium well. My friend asked for her steak medium rare and came out medium. The sides weren't memorable.
(1)Matt H.
If your looking to have some of the best steak of your life, then this is the spot to visit. I'm enjoy myself every time I visit and they fail to disappoint. The only thing is the dining room needs to get renovated. Too outdated for me and my wife's taste. Other then that Id give it 5 stars!
(4)Kari S.
My husband and I had our first date here in October 2011, our next visit was actually the setting where he proposed in August 2012. Both of those experiences were 5+ star experiences. On the evening in 2012 when he proposed the staff were amazing, they spontaneously brought out champagne to toast with as well as a desert that had "Congratulations" drizzled in chocolate. The reason for the 3 stars is for our most recent experience in August 2013. We thought that it would be incredibly special to come back for the anniversary of our engagement. We even made a special trip in a few weeks prior.. (At that time we lived in the Financial District and took a cab all the way up) to reserve the exact same table we were sitting at a year prior when he got down on one knee. When making the reservation we explained in detail the reason for the special request of that SPECIFIC table. I went as far as walking over to it and pointing, and said "This is the one, this is the table we want." Anyways, August 18th, 2013 rolls around and my husband and I take a cab up from downtown and are very much looking forward to a memorable experience (I mean, cmon, this is our third visit, we are now married -- and we met and got engaged at this restaurant). When we arrive (on time) we are told it would be just a few minutes for our table to be ready. So we happily take a seat at the bar and order ketel one martini's. 15-20 minutes passes and the manager approaches me to let me know that the couple seated at the table we had reserved are going to take a "little longer than anticipated." I immediately became upset and made the argument that we had reserved the table for that designated time and date, and had come in 2 weeks ago and communicated the importance of sitting in that particular place. Basically, the manager apologized and said they couldn't predict how long people will sit to eat. He said we could "wait, or sit somewhere else." Anyways, we are shuffled to another table across the dining room in an undesirable table in the middle. (The one we had reserved is an intimate table tucked away in a corner in the front of the restaurant.) I look over at the couple who are seated in our "would be" spots, and they have literally just received their meals. So, basically the hostess and management had made NO effort in assuring that our table would be available for our reservation. They must have sat 20-30 minutes prior to when we were due to arrive; this wasn't a case of someone sitting for 3 hours already. I was upset and wanted to leave, but my husband convinced me to stay and order dinner anyways. The management sent out champagne as an apology, but didn't say much else. I know this is a long review but the synopsis is this: don't come here and expect to (happily) celebrate a special occasion. Their was obviously a lack of training at the host stand, and a lack of empathy from management for a really upset customer. Its a shame too, my husband and I have been to all the steakhouses in NYC, we love a good meal with a bottle of red wine. (ie: Peter Luger's, Del Frisco's, Morton, Smith & Wollensky, BLT, Wolfgang's.) I don't think we will be back, the experience has been ruined, and we can spend $400 for dinner for 2 elsewhere, thanks. When we move back to NYC in 2 years I will have to find a new favorite.
(3)Kimberly E.
The best ever!!!!! Wonderful service and exceptional food! Paco was very attentive and very helpful!!
(5)Molly R.
My boyfriend and I traveled to NYC from Tampa, where we typically prefer Bern's Steakhouse. He had raved about the filet at Sparks (from his younger years) and insisted on having his birthday dinner there. It was absolutely amazing! We dressed up for the occasion and the atmosphere definitely seemed to be higher scale and meant for classy dress. Though there were families dining who had teenagers in shorts and sweatshirts, so I don't believe there's a dress code. The wine list is impressive and quite extensive. The service was impeccable and the atmosphere and lighting were very comfortable. I enjoyed the light fixtures and landscape paintings in fancy frames lining the walls. Not only that but I was fascinated by the story of the mob shooting that took place there in the 80s- I love places with interesting history! We each order the Filet Mignon cooked medium rare. The steaks were about 13 ounces and THE BEST filet I've ever had. It topped the filet that I typically call the best at Bern's in Tampa. The perfect char on the outside but it fell apart in my mouth like a good steak should. Absolutely divine. The Hashbrowns we ordered were equally delicious. I highly recommend visiting Sparks for dinner if you're in town. Before you go be sure to look up the Sparks Steakhouse mob shootings! It's an interesting part of the location's history!
(5)Darren F.
Mediocre service. Bland apps and sides. Dry, overcooked steak. This is NOT a fine steakhouse. Clearly riding out their once stellar reputation.
(2)Dave L.
Sparks provides that classic feel of an old-school steak house. There is an honesty in doing something really well and not trying to be everything to everyone. White tablecloths, dark walls covered with art work, and a flurry of wait staff servicing the room. The menu is straightforward. It is one page with several options in each section. Appetizers and salads, a handful of steaks and a few other entrees, seafood and fish dishes, the lobsters, and sides. All the classics that you would expect in a steakhouse are there. It's not inexpensive, but not extravagant by any means with most entrees in the $30-60 range. The wine list is extensive. Pages of options which span the entire varietal, geographical, and price landscape. You will definitely find something to suit your tastes, and be tantalized by hundreds of bottles you are not ordering. I've had steaks there; they are delicious. I know it's a combination of quality supply, proper aging, and expert preparation, but I don't know much more than that. I just know that I can always expect excellence when I visit Sparks, and I've never been disappointed. I've also had the lobster there. If you enjoy lobster, I would recommend it over the steaks. It is decadent and magical. The presentation makes enjoying it effortless, you will feel like royalty when they present it to you. The salads are big enough to share, which I often do based on the generous portion size of entrees. The sides I've had have been great, but the hash brown potatoes are a must. If you can save room for dessert, you will be impressed again. One of the last times I was there, the table split three desserts between five people. We were all hesitant to order after our huge meals, but none of us regretted it after tasting our way around the table. On top of it all, you will receive exceptional service from a very knowledgeable staff. I've had all questions answered, great suggestions made, and fantastic treatment the one time we did send one dish back to the kitchen. Among the best dining experiences I've had in New York City.
(5)Gail R.
My husband and I came here a month or so ago, amid the union dispute, and had one of the most special experiences we've ever had at a steakhouse in NYC. The staff was extremely attentive, and made every effort to make our experience memorable despite the worst efforts of the picketing union. We each ordered a steak, and it was crispy on the outside, and cooked to perfection on the inside as we both like it. We are big meat eaters, and we have had very disappointing experiences at some of the more highly publicized steakhouses in the city, like The Benjamin. I would rate Sparks as a top two along with Keens. Definitely recommend visiting if you're in the mood for a perfect steak.
(5)Sayeh R.
*meant lobster not lobster mac n cheese but that would be a great addition to the menu:)
(4)Paolo W.
Went to Sparks very recently as my brother and best friend were in town from the UK. I had been telling them how great it was and how the service was first class. Not this time! The service was awful - from having to cross the picket line outside to the rude waiter serving us. This place is more expensive than some of the other steak houses in the city but I was willing to pay for the experience and the great wait staff. When the wait staff are terrible, the experience is bad and hence I just wasted $500 on a bad meal. Apparently the reason is that the staff are protesting about their health benefits so they have the "new generation" of Sparks waiters in (3 out of 40 are new). The new generation are not a patch on the old generation and I won't be coming back for at least 20 years until these new guys have the experience and charm of the ones picketing outside. Tip for management - pay the healthcare, get your old staff back in - they are what makes this place special
(1)Arielle M.
The owner needs to respect his employees of over 25+ years! I live in the area and hear the protesting of the men who worked there for so many years. Shame on the restaurant for taking away their benefits and thus making them have to leave!
(1)Matt V.
A NY steak institution. This was my first time eating here after recommendations from my brother and other numerous sources. It was much larger than I was expecting, the main dining room is massive and the walls are covered in framed landscape paintings. The service is top notch, in an old school style, the linen table clothe is even replaced right before coffee and desert. I ordered the sliced steak with roasted red peppers and onions cooked medium rare. My only regret was not ordering medium-well which my girlfriend did, it was incredibly good. The juices of the steak combined with the light sauce they poor over enhances the flavor of the meat. My steak was paired with a dry chianti which was a perfect partner. If anything there was too much food, we had ordered some vegetable sides to share and could hardly finish. It was a great atmosphere, a great meal and of course some discussion around events that took place on 46th street. An institution and one of a kind experience in New York City dining!!
(4)Anna G.
The quintessential NYC steak house experience. Phenomenal meal, phenomenal service, and a phenomenal setting (look up its history, it's a New York City landmark!). Of course it's quite pricey, but that makes it a perfect spot for a special occasion, and you're paying for high quality food and service. My steak was cooked perfectly, just as I asked, and I was so excited to see that they give you an actual cup filled with warm butter than you can dip your steak in--so genius! The best sides are definitely the hashbrown potatoes and the creamed spinach, as they went perfectly with my steak. If you're not a big steak person, they do also have a number of seafood options that looked and sounded delicious as well. The servers are highly formal and professional, and you can tell they've gone through extensive training. They present the food in an extravagant manner, so it's really an unforgettable experience.
(5)V H.
This place is still on strike the noise coming from outside is unbearable, wait till the strike is over not worth the trouble.
(1)Carrie Neal W.
I. Love. Meat. This is well-known to those Yelpers who read my reviews. Trying it in a different city is always something I'm up to do! So when he took me away to NYC for my birthday yesterday, and suggested dinner at a steak place he particularly likes, of course I was in! I'd consider this kind of an "old school" sort of place - dimly lit, masculine appointments, classic menu.I like all of these attributes in a steak restaurant. Huge wine list. We eat well together so we easily decided on a filet (a perfect med-rare as it came out), asparagus, a baked potato and the mushroom caps - which our bartender LC was nice enough to recommend over the mixed mushrooms. So much food! Add a nice bottle of Cab and we were set! The steak was awesome, he loved the asparagus, and I thought the mushrooms were very good. I had never had port before but, hey, it was my birthday so a second dessert (post our lunch tiramisu) seemed reasonable, and the vanilla ice cream with port caught my eye- oh, was it good!! We had a lovely dinner before our late return flight to Atlanta, great service- and an added smile because another patron was celebrating his birthday a few seats down from us, and it didn't hurt that the maitre d' covered for him when he told me he was going to the restroom and instead ran down the street to get me roses from the corner bodega. Yes, I *heart* NYC and - if we lived there it would certainly be a spot we'd frequent, and I would definitely return to Sparks on a future visit!
(4)Susan B.
The last time we visited Sparks was 3 years ago and it was wonderful. We went on Saturday 3/28/15 and the food has really gone down. I ordered the shrimp and lobster and my husband ordered the sirloin so we could share. The shrimp were extra large shrimp which I can buy and cook all the time and they weren't even tasty. The last time we were there the shrimp were huge and very tasty. We were with a party of 8 and the bill was close to 1500-You would think the food would be out of this world for that amount of money.
(2)Andrew B.
Best steakhouse in NYC.
(4)alan m.
Disappointing. It used to be my absolute favorite steak place in NYC. Until now. I went there a couple of weeks ago and there was a big crew (workers on strike) that blew horns every time the doors opened. Not pleasant upon entering or when in the restaurant. But I don't know who is to blame so tried not to let it bother us. The bigger problem was the steaks were not cooked right (one of us had to send their gorgeous filet back 2x). The meat looked great but a medium can't be totally raw in the middle. Maybe the chef was one of the strikers? The server was clearly a rookie, but was nice enough. When it came time to paying the bill, the Matre D/captain was not very understanding about how badly our meal was screwed up. And he made it as if it was OUR problem. THAT was really disturbing. Hey, sh_t happens but don't blame the victim. I tried to call the manager the next day to provide feedback and discuss. I spoke to one of the guys who answered but never got a returned call back from the manager. So while I was patient before writing this review, it needs to be written. 2 star is all I can give it and 1 of those was for the great meals in the past.
(2)John A.
Do yourself a favor skip this place ! Maybe in the 80s this was a relevant steakhouse and I find that iffy. Overpriced for poor quality and sub standard fare, if you just want to eat at the place a mafia guy got whacked then by all means, but if you are looking for an epicurean epiphany skip it. I can legitimately say that Ruth Chris, Morton's cook up way better food and they are franchised not a stand alone, which in theory should put out better food. The decor is dated and it's so stuffy, it wants to be but it falls way short of the mark. From the dry creamed spinach to the steamed bland broccoli the sides are poor and the meat is standard. NYC has so many other places worthy of your money.
(1)Ashley B.
For the most part this restaurant is a good choice. They have enough options to satisfy different people and the food tasted pretty good as well. Initially the waiter seemed a ilttle bit cold to us as he was catering very heavily to the table next to us but eventually he warmed up. We were happy with the ambiance; felt more like a traditional new york steak house which was nice. I'd recommend giving it a try.
(4)Shota A.
Nice service/dishes with classical atomosphere
(4)Jonathan A.
My second favorite steak house in NYC. The only place better is DelFrisco's. But this is a close second. It was so good that I went here twice in one week! I have tried both the filet mignon and the sirloin. Both were cooked perfectly and exactly how I wanted it. The caesar salad uses real anchovies. You can actually taste them. I had the creamed spinach, hash browns and asparagus sides. Each were good. Not the best sides ever, but really really good. The service is very good and pretty fast. Its amazing that for such a large place, you are never really waiting too long for your food. I highly recommend it! A+++++++
(5)Chris K.
Sparks is like going back in time, you keep expecting James Gandolfino, to walk in and whack some people. The waiters are all older guys who look like they've been doing the job since the 50's and it's impossible to get a smile out of them. For an English person such as myself this is all just perfect The steak menu is kind of limited, but what they have is good. If anything the cuts are too thick to get an evenly cooked piece of meat to your choice but hey.. Sides fine wine good, I've been twice and I'll go again.
(4)P N.
We went to this restaurant for a business dinner. It was my first time here; yes there is much history and the presenter mentioned the gaudy story. The restaurant was busy and staff was friendly. I anticipated the meal to be small, given that we were;t paying, but the portions were excellent. Of course I had steak: the filet mignon and it was HUGE! I ordered mine medium-rare and it was done perfectly, with a bit of a crust on the outside but almost juicy on the inside. It was pure velvet in my mouth. Even though we were about 20, the service never missed a beat. Great job! I can't speak for the price, but I am sure it was a pretty penny. I was told the filet was about $55. Def. a great NYC experience without snobbery.
(4)Amber M.
Great place! Very old world ambiance. Giant (sized) menu with extensive wine list. Extra large portions, plenty big to share. Shrimp cocktail was fantastic. Beef medallions, excellent. Nothing bad to say here. Service was attentive. Coffee service after dinner from a tiny little silver pot. Loved it!
(5)Robert C.
Had reservations to Spark's for a friends birthday this past Saturday night at 8:30. Upon arrival (we were on time) we had to spend 15 minutes just to speak to the Maitre'D who informed us that they were at the least 45 minutes behind on reservations. In talking with other patrons they mentioned that they had been waiting for an hour past the time they had made reservations. I do not understand how a restaurant can overbook so much. To make matters worse there seemed to be no semblance of organization from the staff who were just running around jotting things down on paper that could in no way inform them of who has been waiting how long. We had asked to leave our cell phone to be contacted once our table was ready since the place was mobbed and the bar was jam packed, however we were told if we left they would not honor our reservation. I have been here prior to this experience and had an enjoyable experience, but with all the great steak houses in NY I don't need to experience service like this and will not be returning.
(1)Sean M.
I have eaten her once before and had a decent experience, even a very good one. I think the food is truly very good, wine list strong and service was solid. However, I also live and work near the restaurant, and the protesting outside lately is frankly unbearable. It is beginning to mar my view of the restaurant since the amount of noise and fury spewing forth is just plain chaotic, borderline rebellious. My suggestion to management is to acquiesce to their grievances and resume life as normal. The din coming from the throngs reflects poorly on the overall establishment...not sure how people can eat or work there now..
(3)Henry Y.
Probably the least worthwhile steak I've ever had. The atmosphere is incredibly stuffy. There's nothing worse than old white dudes serving you food while they grumble to themselves. I'm usually not a fan of the sides provided at steakhouses but these were just awful. The veggies were mushier than usual and everything else was oversalted beyond belief. The only people who like Sparks must also be the ones who think DelFrisco's is the bee's knees. How sad.
(1)Jim V.
All I can say is for the overall experience very over priced. If I could just get the food without the service experience maybe a better value. Who knows ???
(2)Harkirat S.
My steakhouse staple, and it is refreshing to see how the restaurant has maintained its quality over the years. The steaks are obviously excellent but I would recommend to try the seafoods too! The salmon is divine!
(5)Mary R.
I travel to NYC frequently on business and have eaten at Sparks several times and each experience was fantastic! The food is delicious and the service amazing! I was there on December 10th and after our waiter took our order the waitstaff walked off deciding to strike in the middle of our meal. However, the meal was still served timely and even tasted better than ever. I noticed a couple of reviews that mentioned the strike and It was my understanding that it wasn't scabs working that night it was friends that stepped in to help out the owner who is very friendly and knows how to treat his customers and that the first time they walked off was just a couple days ago so there was no time to warn customers. I don't understand the need for the waiters to walk off. If you don't like your job or think you're not being treated fairly find another job! There are plenty of jobs for good waiters. I still highly recommend Sparks whether it's for a business meeting or if you just want a really good steak!
(5)R P.
One of my favorites in the City. Classic, traditional and consistently good. Their porterhouse is amazing, liquor is a bit overpriced, but what can you expect. Definitely a recommended place.
(5)Fork You Z.
Good steak, not GREAT and not worth the price. Perhaps i just had an "off" night and my taste buds were acting up. Been here a few times for business but always had apps, then a lobster another time. Sure it was big as hell, but unless you overcook it, its still a crustacean. Wasnt impressed with the steak, it was good, but not GREAT, ya know what I mean. Probably will not return by choice, unless somebody else gonna flip the bill.
(3)William P.
When we arrived last night and the wait staff was protesting outside. It was obvious they were the A-team. We didn't get half of our food and the food wasn't great. Outback Steakhouse cooks a better steak. It's great eating at local places and staying away from chains but this is not one of them. Fantastic restaurant atmosphere and I am sure on most nights they have it together. This was not one of their finer moments for the price.
(1)A M.
Went here for a late lunch the other day, and was thoroughly impressed. Fresh bread was served and the waiters were all very nice. The decor was simple and elegant and everyone was very friendly. I ordered the prime sirloin. DELICIOUS. Hands down, best steak I've ever had. Our waitress brought us an excellent sauce for us to try, and the side of hash brown potatoes was great as well. However, the steak easily could have been split between two or three people, but I was able to have leftovers! Our waitress Helaine (spelling?) was amazing. We chatted with her for a while about a variety of things, as they weren't very busy at 2:00 pm. She even recommended some things for us to do in New York and went above and beyond serving us well. This restaurant is a MUST TRY!
(5)Sonae D.
With 10 people standing around, I'm wondering why I had to approach someone for assistance and we made reservations. At nearly, $70 per person, I was sorely disappointed. Sore because it was a $400 bill. Yeah, won't happen again. I gave it 2 stars because the salmon was good.
(2)Nicholas T.
This is a classic establishment (a la Mad Men the series) with quality service and excellent food. If you feel like going out for a real wine and dine experience in NYC you can't go wrong with Spark's Steak House.
(5)Sara G.
I have been to this restaurant twice and each time have experienced amazing food and service. I frequently travel all over the United States and have been to some of the best steakhouses in the country. Their prime sirloin steak is one of the finest. Bring a date to order the 5 1/2 pound lobster and you get the best surf and turf meal available anywhere if she is willing to share! The wine list is extensive and balanced. I found the wait staff welcoming and personable each time and I find myself frequently recommending travelers to the best steakhouse in the city.
(5)Mary C.
Horrible rude services with over priced average food. 2 of my friends and I went there for dinner. They seated us in an isle table. there were very little spaces between the tables (approx 1.5 feet). 1 table over, there was a huge walking isle. All the servers decided it was better to squeeze through the tiny gap and bump into my chair the whole entire night rather than use the huge isle 1 table over. I ask them to stop and they didn't. I ask them how much time it saves them by bumping into my chair all night and one of the servers said 5 valuable seconds! I think if they weren't mob related, they would have been out of business a long time ago.
(1)Ben L.
Sparks is good. It's just not great when compared to the caliber of steakhouses in NYC. I came with a rather large party (about 15), and first off the waitstaff is phenomenal. They catered to us without a hitch, and any request we had was quickly met. These are the kinds of waiters that work at this place lifelong and know every in and out of the place (we even got the story of how Gotti got shot). So to start we shared a plethora of family style appetizers; tomato and moz, shrimp in butter, shrimp and crab meat cocktail, and oysters. Just the sheer size of the shrimp and portions was very impressive. The oysters were honestly pretty unremarkable. They tasted okay, but didn't have that define briny flavor of some oysters - they were very mild, some people prefer that but not me. So overall nothing blew me away. For my main i had their famous sirloin, rare. So my biggest gripe with the steak was how little of the steak was actually rare. It's a thick, maybe 2 inch piece of meat and only about the center (less than an inch probably) was actually rare. I might be nit picking, but a majority of the center should be pretty bloody; the steak was more medium-rare than rare. For sides we all did creamed spinach, hash browns, and mushrooms. All pretty standard steakhouse sides, but well done. This isn't to say that the steak tasted perfectly fine - just not perfect. For desert we all shared the family style again; it had cheesecake, pecan pie, and ice cream, and pecan pie with berries and whipped cream on the platter. Desert was pretty fantastic. Nothing revolutionary but some well done classics. The pecan pie was a bit too sweet without a salty note to balance, though. So factor in (a lot of) wine and drinks the dinner came out to $300+ a person. It was an enjoyable dinner, especially because of the service and ambiance (very old New York City vibe). However considering the price and that for the same money there are better steakhouses out there, I will probably go elsewhere in the future unless someone else decides to invite me here.
(3)Rachel P.
I rarely ever write reviews, but I've been to sparks four or five times in the past few years, and without exception the experience has been superb. The waitstaff is very knowledgeable and friendly and are always ready with suggestions when asked. The steak is the best I've ever had, and all the other items on the menu are amazing as well The decor is very unique - very old New York steakhouse feel to it - so it's a great place to take out of town guests that you want to impress. This is definitely my favorite steakhouse in nyc and I recommend it to anyone!
(5)Johnny S.
This steak house is top notch. For me, I only go for a rare occasion as its a bit pricey and this visit was to discuss me and may lady's future and where we want to be in 10 years. Everything worked out great and the steaks (NY Strip) we're amazing as usual.
(5)Penny M.
So incredibly disappointed. My Caesar salad was not homemade, not with fresh cheese or dressing and drenched at that. How can you charge that much when the quality is so poor? The crab and scallop appetizer was overcooked, lukewarm and tasteless. My filet was full of fat. The bernaise sauce was good but that was the only plus. This place is expensive so I expect quality. It was lackluster at best.
(2)Ingrid L.
I'm heartbroken by how far they've fallen..we have been noticing the decline over the years, and tonight was such a good/horrible example.. 10 years ago, when we started coming here, we always were treated like guests and the food was impeccable. The service has gone significantly downhill and the food has followed..tonight, our server, kenan, was do inattentive that we had to flag another server, ian, down to place our order. This was 25 minutes after our bottle of wine was delivered.. We will always adore Adnan at the bar, but with the decline in service and the decline in the quality of the food (my $52 entree looked like it had been dumped on the plate and my food was literally thrown onto the table in front of me..)we won't be back.
(2)Joe Z.
So my chick and I went here to celebrate new employment. I love steak and have never been to this well known institution. So I was looking forward to it greatly. Unfortunately, my experience was destroyed by a bunch of morons, the wait staff. Apparently the guys who carry food from the kitchen to my table feel that their pay problems should also be my problem. Yep, the Friday I decide to go to Sparks these guys walk out and strike. Upon arriving at the restaurant, we were greeted with the wait staff who were wearing sandwich boards and ranting and raving outside the restaurant. I had no clue was going on and could not understand what they were saying. Honestly, I dont care. Im a working man but I dont collectively bargain. I believe your employment issues are between the owners and the individual worker and should never involve the customers. But this group of waiters didnt see it that way. They yelled at me as I walked down their line. They unsuccessfully tried to intimidate me and my chick not to go into Sparks. Well, like I said, this was suppose to be a celebration so in spite of the chorus of cat calling and boos we entered Sparks. Upon entering, I immediately asked if the kitchen staff walked out and management indicated that they did not. So the folks who prepare the food were still working. Thats all I needed to hear. It appeared that management and some new wait staff remained in-house. Due to the strike and the fact that it appeared Sparks was a little shell shocked, I decided to keep things easy. No apps (Thanks wait staff). I had a Caesar salad - it was fine. I ordered a sirloin med rare. It was cooked to perfection but needed a touch more salt. My chick ordered Sliced Steak which was served with bordelaise sauce and fresh mushrooms. She loved it and I hated it. Overall the meal was fine. The wait staff who remained told me that they had family to think about and did not walk out. These guys did an OK job. I mean they brought the food from the kitchen to my table, which all they really needed to do. I got my drink refilled without asking as well as an extra piece of bread. Seemed like they did the same job the guys outside would have done - they were fine. I probably waited longer then normal to get my check but whatever. Given the unreasonable circumstances, it was understood. In addition, the ambience was destroyed as we had to listen to the wait staff rant and rave outside for the duration of our meal. I felt like I was eating in a war zone. So in sum, the food was fine but the experience kinda sucked. Thanks wait staff. Most troubling is that the house did not offer me anything. No free drink, no discount, no free app, no nothing. I thought I deserved something after keeping my reservation, crossing the picket line of hooligans and having to listen to these guys hoot and holler throughout dinner. But I got nothing. I guess its worth going to Sparks at least once to say you tried it but just be on notice that the wait staff may decide not to show up to work.
(3)Jessica H.
Wildly overpriced for small side dishes and simple, unseasoned, overcooked steak. Service was ok, but manager argued with us when we complained about an overcooked steak. Definitely not worth the price... There has to be a good reason workers were protesting outside.
(1)Samantha C.
This place is absolutely wonderful. The lobster is superb along with the best hospitality!
(5)Lily T.
came here for a company related dinner, so everything was free I had the sliced tomato and onion salad: just ok. It was really just sliced tomatoes and onions throw in salad sauce, nothing too special really Sliced steak with red peppers and onions: good. the beef was tender, and marinated nicely with the sauce and the onion. And red peppers were a nice touch to the steak. But it was definitely not the best steak I've had. Sides were very disappointing, the spinach tasted like it was boiled, very bland, not creamy at all... and the potatoes tasted boiled too for dessert, we got the cheesecake which was decent. service: good, the waiters kept on checking back on us ambiance: classy and upscale Overall, I would not come back if I had to pay for the dinner
(3)Tim V.
Came here for work dinner. Steak and food was amazing as was the service. The prime sirloin was way more charred than I like. Maybe that's the way they make steaks. Was still delicious though
(4)Hans K.
Food/Service/Atmosphere all top notch...a must for great, old-school NYC steakhouse cuisine with a historic bent...this place is great!
(4)Lindsey S.
Pros: good spinach cream Cons: not impressive steak, crazy crowded place, reservation doesn't mean anything. I came here for my friend's bday dinner. We had a reservation but of course, we were not seated until everyone showed up. As I walked in, I was pushed and nudged by the crowd at the reception. Obviously, everybody had a reservation but it doesn't mean anything here; be ready to wait another 30 mins. As for the food, I was not impressed with the prime sirloin steak. I've had way better steaks before else where... It was not properly seared and it was just bland and tasteless... For the price tag of $120 I spent there, I am not coming back. Period.
(3)Beatriz K.
Seafood appetizer was not as fresh as I expected it would be... Filet Mignon was so juicy and flavorful! Jamaican coffee with Tia Maria was amazing!!!
(4)Gregers B.
We had oysters and steaks. Oysters were above medium but I disagreed with my own choice of Duckhorn's Sauvignon Blanc. Steaks were humongous - as expected. Obviously cooked impeccably as well. We shared a serving of hash browns. Other than that, the steaks only companion was a bottle of Chateau Talbot 2005. A nice choice, but not unforgettable. Sparks is not really my kind of place, but they deliver what they promise. I like that.
(4)Sooty D.
I used to love sparks, esp their signature Prime Sirloin cut. Anyways, I was going back there for more, to devour that cow. Alas, this time it was a total disappointment. I walked thru the entrance and noticed there's a picket line outside with a giant balloon rat protesting. The union'ed wait staff wasn't too happy with Spark's management I suppose, they were shouting at me not to patronize this once fine establishment. I should have heeded their attention, especially what the bill cost me in comparison to the food/service I received. In short, I had a mexican(latino) waiter that doesn't really know what he was doing ( I love mexican, they are the hardest working people around). He was a bit forceful in recommending what to drink "Cosmopolitan" and eat "even tho I told him I been there numerous time and I know what I want. He was dishing out suggestions that wasn't music to my ears. I ordered a bottle of red wine, he was nervous I guess, while he was pouring for me he spilled it on my pants and the table. I declined the offer to change our table cloth, which is not a big deal for me. The steak I ordered was Prime Sirloin medium rare, when it came out, it was cold in the middle, like cold from the fridge kind of cold. I don't ever recall eating a piece of medium rare steak that's cold in the middle. I am not sure if the cooks were Union people or they just found someone around the block to take over for the experienced union staff. I was disappointed with the food. The spinach and asparagus were bland, I can toss it in a boiling pot of water and could not do any worst then Sparks. This was a total disaster for me and my friend, especially we raved to our significant other how great and how sparks is one of our favorites steak house in the city (probably top 2). We took them out to this fine establishment and it was a total downer. The food is mediocre, the wait staff definitely needs to do some homework/training. They should be serving the ladies first, not the men then the ladies. I thought that was basic table etiquette. Also the wait staff just handed us the glasses instead of laying it down on our side. WTF I tip for??? I spent a buck fifty a head and got subpar mediocre service. I think that about covered my experience. I didn't even get a discount for taking a shower in my $100 bottle of red wine (a few drops landed on my new pants and then some splashed on the table). I'm not sure if i should go back there again, I packed my butt and will head over to Wolfgang down the block instead.
(1)Brian K.
FAMOUS FOR: - Gambino Crime Family Boss Paul Castellano gunned down by John Gotti's men in 1985, right in front of this restaurant. - Prime Sirloin (10/10) BUZZ - Hash Brown Potatoes (9/10) I ALSO TRIED - Fresh Bufala Mozzarella w/ Sliced Tomato (10/10) - Lump Crab Meat & Bay Scallops (8/10) I do a bit of a traveling, but since my company caters to warehouses and 3PL companies, I might fly into a big city, but my work site is generally in the burbs, or some real podunk town. This was an executive meeting, so it was in NYC! While there're a ton of places I want to eat at in NYC, we only flew in for a 1 day meeting, and flew out the next morning. We tried to get a reservation at Peter Luger's (some say it is the best steakhouse in the country), but since they were booked for 2 months, we settled for Sparks, which has its own little claim to fame. I know nothing of this history, but as the story goes, Castellano was getting out of his car for a meeting arranged at Sparks, and then got gunned down by a whole bunch of John Gotti's team. It appeared that everyone who worked there was aware of this history. CRAB & SCALLOPS This was one of our appetizers. There isn't much for presentation, but I suppose with crab meat, it's not always easy. It's basically served kind of like a scampi - there's some buttery-garlicky sauce and there're some small scallops and shreds of crab meat everywhere. While it's not the most nicely prepared, it is pretty darn good! The crab meat is awesome even just by itself, but you add butter and garlic to it (which are 2 ingredients sent straight from heaven) and it's pretty amazing! The scallops were pretty good too, but nothing that would make me swoon for. Unfortunately, the bread came out after, and I would have (to my arteries' discomfort) sopped up all that buttery/garlicky/seafoody sauce. TOMATO & BUFALA MOZZ Essentially a Caprese Salad, which ranks up pretty high in my "favorite things to eat" category. First of all, the tomato actually tastes like a tomato. That seems obvious, but you'd be surprised how many things have tomatoes in it, but they seem to be there for just the texture, because the flavors are almost completely absent. No, here, that flavor is evident, and I can't get enough! Also, the Bufala Mozzarella is soft and creamy. You could almost spread it..almost. It's not like it felt like taking a bite out of cream cheese, but it was just a little firmer than that - to the point where you couldn't actually spread it. Maybe all the spicy foods burned off my taste buds, but I usually can't detect Mozzarella's flavors when it's on things like pizza, pasta, etc., but here, I could definitely taste it, a very gentle flavor. They also have, what I imagine to be, balsamic vinegar and basil in a small dish to add to your salad, and OMG does that make it even more incredible! I crave this dish 24/7! STEAK Wow! What a steak! First of all, it's got a beautiful char. You can tap at it and hear the knock, and immediately hear it knock back! The crust was definitely more than crispy, but less than crunchy. I award this "Best Crust on A Steak!" The crust even beats out Morton's and David Burke's! The meat is cooked perfectly medium rare, as I asked. The steak is a bit tougher than I like. I'm more of a ribeye guy, and this was closer to (and maybe it was) a New York Strip. So it received pretty good technical credits, but the taste...oh my God the taste! This steak was seasoned perfectly front to back, side to side! Every bite was never too salty, and never bland, so there was never a dull moment! The crust gave a VERY small smokiness to it, but nowhere near anything like Kansas City steaks. Because the meat is so high quality, you never get that moment where you chew on the same bite for a long time. It's almost as each bite was engineered to last a very specific amount of time, so you can get all the flavors and seasoning out of it, before it melts away. Guess what? Sparks has toppled Morton's ribeye to be my 3rd favorite steak of all time! HASHBROWNS These aren't like McDonalds hashbrowns or tater tots. These look like each piece was ripped off of a potato (with the skin on). Each piece is probably about the same size as a tater tot, but not in any kind of uniform shape. Though the potato part of it is like a baked potato, the skin part of it is not just crispy, it's downright crunchy! As for the taste, these guys really understand how to season food! This thing is as addicting as fries, yet the potato tastes like real potatoes, and not the frozen junk. Each bite has an embedded saltiness, but just the right amount without going overboard. As much as I loved them, and would like to have them again, I don't think I'd crave them. IT ONLY TAKES A SPARK! I'm outta room. Good luck getting a reservation, but it's worth it for the #3 steak of all time (#2=40 day, #1=55 day dry aged ribeye from David Burke's Primehouse). Prepare to spend money!
(5)Brian C.
Solid steakhouse with classic NYC steakhouse decor. The service was top-notch. They were very accommodating to our requests, even with making us a special cake with a ridiculous message (our group was celebrating an typically non-celebratory event). They were very attentive with the drink refills and always asked if we needed anything else when our wine glasses were nearly empty. Truly great service - kudos to the staff there. The steak was very good. It's hard not to make comparisons in a city that has a large number of top-notch steakhouses. I would say that Sparks steak is great with the sear, outside texture, and seasoning, but falls short of being the best steakhouse in NYC. With that said, I don't think you will be disappointed. I ordered the sirloin, which appears to be their most popular cut, but also tried a bit of my friend's filet. I preferred the sirloin - very tender meat, easily cut with a single draw of the knife, no additional salt/pepper was really needed. Overall, a very good steak that was cooked to a perfect medium. Also tried some of the sides and appetizers. We started with a salad in their own house vinegar-based dressing, which I thought was OK. Probably would not order that again - I can't remember if it was complimentary. One appetizer ordered was the crab meat and scallops. Very well done. The creamed spinach is very creamy, which may or may not be your cup of tea. It reminded me of creamed spinach from Boston Market, with more cream and finer pieces of spinach. The onions and hashed potatoes were both excellent side dishes to our meals. If you're looking for a good steakhouse in NYC, this is one place you should check out. It's less well-known than the other more corporate places, but given the history of this place along with the years spent perfecting their steak, Sparks is a contender for best steakhouse in NYC.
(4)Mooch B.
Came here for Dinner on Monday. This restaurant was great! I had the Red Snapper which was prepared PERFECTLY! every bite was better than the last. The creamy Spinach is also very good. The potatoes hash was ok nothing to go crazy about. My lady had the Broiled Shrimp and Lobster Tail very tasty and perfectly made...man this place was perfect lol I've seen a few reviews about the service not being good so I went into it not expecting much. I must say the service was EXCEPTIONAL! Miguel was the waiter, he couldn't have been more helpful, he was on point with EVERYTHING! overall great experience, great food can't go wrong......Oh it's pricey but worth it!
(5)Raymond R.
We have dined in the finest traditional steakhouses throughout the country, Sparks was right at the top. Not a fru fru place. Professional service and wonderful food. I would recommend if you w ith your spouse, get two appetizers and split a steak. Especially if you are at a hotel and can't do anything with leftovers.
(5)M. R.
Absolute worst experience I've ever had at a restaurant in NYC. Terrible service and the food is awful - the steak was totally overcooked (go to the west village for better options).
(1)John K.
Sparks was pretty good ! Lamb chops were great however the giant rat and protest outside is a little disturbing. Still looks like a mob scene. Worth a try.
(4)Eric H.
I went to Sparks last week--hosting a group of executives from our EU and US offices. Big boss likes steak and nothing else so Sparks seemed like reasonable mid-town choice for last minute team dinner on a Thursday evening (19 March). First bad sign was the inflatable rat labor dispute warning and picket line outside. No matter, its just grilling beef, what can go wrong... Little did I know they restaurant decided to hire as scabs the waiters rude enough but not funny enough to get jobs at Dick's Last Resort. After spotting oysters on the appetizer menu I jumped to the idea of a beer. A nice stout. Perhaps a nitro Guinness if nothing more interesting available, but heck there are 300-500 different bottles of wine on the menu, how about if I ask for the beer list. WOW. "we have Becks, Stella and Bud" No list - no stout, not even Guinness. I was surprised and asked if this was really true. "Wine goes with steak, beer is for burgers, we don't serve french fries either" Now really. call them frites and put the on the menu. They go with steak quite nicely, trust me. OK so I sulked and drank a so-so $100 bottle of South African Shiraz with my oysters. The oysters were pretty good- larger than I really like-but nice mineral character-clashed with the wine. I was missing my stout. Steaks came. Stuck with wine although was really hoping for a Belgian Dubble recommended in Beer Master's Table by Garrett Oliver. As expected a big piece of meat. Not rare like I ordered, more medium medium rare but I had no interest in further discussions with the waiter so let it go. Big Boss asked for peppercorn sauce. Was offered bernaise but he wanted peppercorn (probably a restaurant that had frites on the menu would understand this request). They tried, not well. But there was no avoiding sending back two other steaks at our table. Had been ordered rare. When asked what temperature the patron requested "room". Clarified - very rare - blue. Steaks came out charred completely black on outside and rare/raw on inside. I guess this is supposed to be a thing "black and blue". Well if it is it should come with a warning. Do you really want that steak completely unfit for human consumption? So after unreasonably protracted argument with waiter about these not being what we expected and can you please hurry up and fix this-- our dinner had to be extended while we waited for the two steaks to be replaced. That is always fun for everyone. As for Sparks, fix your labor dispute, or at least screen the scabs better and hire or consult with a Cicerone. Beer, especially craft, is not some low brow beverage to be mocked and if I am going to spend $100 a head on the food (about $1500 dinner for our group by the time we were done) I shouldn't have to argue about my beverage preference with a grape juice pushing jerk. There are better choices and I don't expect to be back to Sparks.
(2)Peter R.
It doesn't get better than this. I have been to many a steakhouses in New York, but this place takes the cake. In terms of steak flavor/experience, the prime sirloin is out of this world. You get the old school feel of a NY restaurant. They have an extensive wine list. The staff is super knowledgable and clearly trained very well with high standards. Only downside is probably the fact that even if you're on time for your reservations and with the restaurant not full, they always seem to make you wait at the bar. You get the sense that they're just trying to bilk you out of a little more money on a pre-meal drink. Of course, you don't HAVE to buy a drink so I can't knock them too much for it. Fantastic old school steakhouse.
(5)Brian R.
Came here as part of a group for an event that was hosted by a recruitment agency. I found the ambiance to be that of something straight out of the Godfather! We had a large group which usually predicts disaster so possibly if I was with a smaller group I would have had a better experience. All in all the food was great. I had the fillet medium-rare which was cooked to perfection and the sides were delicious by the portions should have been larger for the price. This is a $$$$ restaurant and it is New York City so the prices should be expected but overall I would say that it would be worth it even if I had to pay for it myself. The reason why I'm not giving this restaurant a 5/5 stars is because when I first entered the restaurant I was ignored for 10 minutes. Staff kept walking past me not even acknowledging my presence. I was not asked if I could be helped, if I had a reservation, or if I was joining someone. After 10 minutes, I just said screw it and walked the restaurant on my own to find my friends. Also as I mentioned before it was a busy night and the service dipped because of it. Waiters ignored our drink requests or meal requests and it was hard to get their attention also my friend got hit in the head by one of them. Overall, I would come back here, but only if someone else was paying or if it was free somehow. I prefer Wolfgang's Steakhouse much better.
(3)J H.
Pretty nice steakhouse. I usually order filet at steakhouses but this place is well known for their tenderloin. Wow i did not make the wrong choice. It was cooked perfectly and seasoned right. The steak was also huge!!! The only little thing was the sides were in really small plates. Their drinks at the bar were pretty good and tasty. Recommended for groups or dates. Also this place is well known, has a history, can google it.
(4)Jessica B.
We used to be customers back in the day but had stopped going because the service had been seriously slack. Creepy old men italian waiters that would simply just drop the food and drop the check. Made me feel uncomfortable every time I went in with a nice dress for dinner with the hubs. Anyways, imagine our delight to see that their entire crap staff had decided to go on strike. We bustled on over and sat down for the best meal we've had so far there. My filet was perfectly cooked (as was rarely the case in the past) and the sides were delectable. There was a nice selection of waiters and you could tell that it was no longer a staff of entitled hacks that had obviously only been hired because they knew someone who knew someone. Keep up the good work and don't let those hoo haas outside get you down. You're better off without them. We will be sure to be visiting much more often.
(5)Pete B.
Best steak in New York. I have been to all the houses including Capital, Del Frisco's, Wolfgang's, STK, Ruth's and of course Luger's. Great selection of new and old world wines of course but there is something about a Sparks Sirloin that keeps me coming back again and again. Perfect crisp on the outside and the temperature has not been off once.
(5)Erin C.
This place is run down. We left feeling like we wasted money. The quality of the food, service, and atmosphere was lacking. Food: The steak was okay, but nothing to write home about. I've been to most of the New York steakhouses, and Sparks was my least favorite. I felt like I could make some of the sides at least equally as well in my own kitchen. The dessert wasn't memorable either. Service: I had a black hair under my steak and when I told the waiter, he tried telling me that it was mine (I'm blonde) and didn't even offer an apology or to throw it back on the grill. He simply didn't give a crap. When the service is poor, that tells me that the owners are too cheap to treat their staff well. And when they're too cheap in this department, they must be cheap in other key areas, such as food quality and sanitation. Atmosphere: This place is in need of some TLC and repairs. My chair was almost broken and was wobbling the whole time. The walls by our table were dirty and both the table and chairs were chipped. In sum, there are plenty of better places to get a steak. Try Wolfgangs or Smith and Wollensky. Those places are solid.
(2)Steve M.
Came in for the first time on 3/1/14 around 430 or so (traveled from Philadelphia ) because I had heard about the place through my reading of NY mob history. I sat at the bar to eat and the bartender was very personable( forget his name). I ordered the Caesar salad to start, which was drenched in dressing and the taste was very average, about the same quality as a chain restaurant . I was going to order the filet , but the bartender talked me into trying the sirloin , since that is what Sparks is apparently known for. The sirloin was pretty good and I was happy with the quality and portion size for the money. I enjoyed the atmosphere of the place and will definetly return during my next trip to try another cut of meat.
(3)Eater N.
Excellent at every level!!!
(5)Jon S.
The steak here is amazing as were the sides and desserts. I tried both the filet and sirloin, they are awesome. Ranks among the best in NYC. Ive seen reviews below knocking this place for price and even for their fish. To those I say: 1) Going to a fancy NYC steakhouse and complaining about spending $100/head is moronic. They all cost this much so it shouldn't be a surprise. When people are looking at yelp reviews for a steakhouse they know its expensive, all they want to know is how damn good the steak is! 2) If you want fish go to a seafood restaurant. Sparks is an old school steakhouse, get the steak. Its a great restaurant, food is bomb.
(5)Carina P.
Great service... even better food!!! I have been here twice with years in between and both times were excellent. They make you feel like they had seen you just yesterday. Love it!
(4)B M.
Interior/Exterior = 8.3 Food = 8.9 Beverage = 8.9 Service = 9.0 Food is above "great". Worthy of multiple visits. $$$$ ( scale $ - $$$$ ). Go for the 30 years old Macallan at the bar - do it right.
(5)Jim B.
For 20+ years, this has been one of my favorite places in NYC, partly for the mob history, partly for the food, and very much for the 'experience' of dining here. That last part is now more clearly visible to me that it ever was. Last night we took our daughter and future son-in-law and a couple of their friends for what we expected to be a rare treat. The history is still there, and the food was, for the most part, all that I would expect. But the experience of dining at Sparks at the moment is nothing like it was. As you may have read, they are having a bit of a labor relations issue, and their service staff is on strike. If walking past the picketers out front bothers you, you won't want to go. (It didn't bother me much, though my wife said afterwards that if it had been just the two of us, and not a promised 'special event,' she would have turned around to go elsewhere.) But the bigger issue is that the service in the restaurant these days is decidedly mediocre. They have hired a bunch of well meaning but inexperienced kids who try their darndest, but simply don't have the capacity to deliver the level of service that I've always known at Sparks. In fact, what they mostly managed to accomplish was to make me appreciate more fully what a skill is it to make it seem so utterly effortless to wait on a demanding table of six, respond to requests quickly, and most of all, anticipate issues even before they come up. I don't know anything about the grievances in the strike. Sparks seems to think that their current wait staff can be replaced with hires off the street. And maybe they can. Let's check in again in about six months. Maybe the current crop of newbies will have developed the skills required. Or maybe the company will realize that they have undervalued the skill of the staff that is currently out front protesting. Time will tell, and it will be most interesting to watch. Meanwhile, my advice would be to arrange your 'special events' somewhere else. PS - one more thing: I don't know whether the kitchen staff was affected by the strike. I thought not, but two of us ended up with steaks that were not cooked as ordered, which quite surprised me. Under normal circumstances, I would have sent at least one of them back to be done properly, but frankly, it was hard enough to keep the water glasses filled last night so I felt it wasn't going to be worth the effort. In principle, though, when dropping $1,000 in an evening, I'm inclined to expect better.
(2)Liz B.
This review is only for the food as the the wait staff and service was wonderful. We ordered two glasses of cabernet which were so awful, we had to send them back. The wine tasted like the bottle had been left open for weeks. Vinegar, anyone? After looking over the menu, my boyfriend and I decided on sliced steak, sliced steak with onions and peppers, and a side of hash brown potatoes. The food came out in under 15 minutes, which was great, but the entrees, not so much. The sliced steak that I ordered was basically just as the name says, but DRENCHED in bordelaise. Although the steak was cooked to temperature, the sauce was overpowering--it tasted like I was snacking on bouillon cubes, and it ruined the dish. My boyfriend's steak with onions and peppers was a little better than mine but it was mediocre at best. I will say though, that the hash brown potatoes were delicious. That being said, our meal at Sparks was very underwhelming and disappointing. The food tasted like something I would expect from Applebee's, not reputable steakhouse, and it certainly did not warrant the high price that we paid. We should have just gone to Wolfgang's instead.
(1)Debra E.
Steak lovers, A+ restaurant right here. Came here last night after Derby Day at Mad 46 with a group of 10-15. (Lucky waiter)! I had requested surf & turf it wasn't on the menu but they were able to make the the exception. Steak + Lobster seriously the best of both worlds and my stomach was satisfied. The steak was a little fatty but it gave it flavor. The girl across from me also had a filet and her was very rare and had it sent back. The lobster tails were seasoned in garlic and herbs. I'm a plain Jane when it comes to lobster. Serve it to me hot and get me a side of hot melted butter. Got to try the cheesecake, I recommend it. Service: A+ Price: Well for $10 of us.. we're talking about $100 a head. Filet was $49, 3lb lobster was $69 (they crack it for you)! Ambience: Think.. Texas in the 1920's
(4)Lawrence J.
By far and without a doubt the best steak house in NY. Nuf said.
(5)GQ S.
i posted one via open table so dont know if it'll load onto here, but just want to make sure this is known. the original staff is currently on strike at the place. if i had known earlier, i definitely wouldn't not have made the reservation to go. and of course, the food and service is reflected by this. our server was inexperience, even pouring wine on one of my guests. their appetizers were not like how it was before, taste is lacking...and the steak, as we all order the prime sirloin lacks the juiciness and flavor that i was so use to at sparks...the sides were bland,...none of us finish our steaks...just tough and dry...not even cooked to our request...i took my wife here as it was her first time and Sparks was my favorite steak restaurant in the city...i would give this place one more try WHEN their strike is over as i've had very good steaks here before...
(1)Andrew W.
I have been to this restaurant multiple times & I rank it as the preeminent Steakhouse in NYC. I have been to all of them; Lugers, BLT, American Cut, Striphouse, etc., but Sparks is the Gold Standard of NYC Steakhouses. In my opinion, this is the best overall restaurant in New York City.
(5)Dana M.
Only reason Sparks doesn't get 5 stars is you have to pay an arm and both legs for your meal, especially if you go in a big group. Charging $11 for a side of steamed broccoli is robbery. That being said, the steaks are DELICIOUS and if you're looking for an amazing meal to celebrate something, this is your place. We came in a group of 8, and everyone at the table was wowed by their food! We had: - prime sirloin - filet mignon - medallions of beef with bordelaise sauce - steak with sautéed onions and peppers someone may have had seafood as well. Top three dishes were the best, and my favorite by far was the prime sirloin, which I ordered with caramelized onions. Not sure I'll be back any time soon for price reasons, but if I ever do go back, that's what I'll be ordering again for sure. Also, the wine list is like a book.
(4)Alex H.
Great food. Old time type of service. Place with good old NYC character
(4)Ari A.
Maybe I'm not a beef connoisseur, maybe I don't appreciate a meal where I can emulate Al Pacino for a night, and toss a cigar in my mouth and cackle the night away, or maybe I just wasn't as impressed as the description of "the best steak you'll ever have." Sparks is quite the place for a night out, but just be prepared for what you are about to get into. The atmosphere is a bit stuffy, with starched white linens, men in jackets, peculiar wall paper, and carts being rolled around everywhere. With that being said, there was nothing about my food per se which disappointed, but Sparks didn't live up to expectations and I personally didn't feel I fit in with the crowd. If there's a next time, I'm ordered the Prime Sirloin Steak, which was stupendous, but if there isn't a next time, I won't be crying.
(3)RW W.
Host give awful terrible service , waited 20 minutes to be seated in a non crowded restaurant.
(1)Jerry C.
My absolute favorite steakhouse: not just for New York City, but anywhere in the world. 45 years ago, my wife and I had our wedding dinner and reception at Bern's Steakhouse in Tampa, and two months ago hosted a dinner at Bern's for 20 high school classmates. I give Sparks Steakhouse the full five stars over my four for Bern's for the following reasons: while the steaks at Bern's are excellent, Sparks' steaks are every bit as good. Secondly, the decor: Sparks wins hands down ... the lighting, the paintings, non-claustrophobic feeling, while Bern's has the claustrophobic feel of an aging Bordello. Thirdly, I find the management and wait staff at Sparks Steakhouse friendlier and more professional than Bern's. Fourthly, the wine list: while no restaurant can beat Bern's for shear size and selection, I gotta give the nod to Sparks Steakhouse for better value and is perfectly adequate for total range and depth for any wine you could want to complement your dinner. Sparks' wine list is probably the best value wine list in New York City. Finally, did I mention the lobster? The lobster is the best and freshest you will find anywhere: and meticulously taken out of shell table-side and returned to shell before being placed on shell for a beautiful presentation. My wife and I shared a Caesar salad (delicious), we shared a four pound lobster (just yum!), and shared a small filet mignon (Sparks cooked my half medium rare and my wife's well). We had a great Cakebread Napa Chardonnay for our lobster, and a fabulous Chimney Rock Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon to go with our steak. All delicious. For Dessert my wife and I shared a Tartufo. My wife and I shared every dish and Sparks gracefully delivered exactly what we ordered. Given that our seating for dinner came during a most stressful and trying time for Sparks Steakhouse management (a potential strike / walkout in progress and union organizers intimidating customers upon their arrival at the restaurant), they delivered under extraordinary duress, for these they truly deserve every one of their five stars.
(5)David M.
Its all about the steak, wine and phenomenal service. Our favorite steakhouse. We visit this classic restaurant every NYC trip. Wife, daughter, son and I dined here to celebrate our daughter's college graduation. The wine list is extensive and fairly priced. The steaks were cooked to perfection.
(5)Machado L.
I am glad we visited Sparks. It was the last day of our trip to NYC. Sirloin was as it might be!! Excellent!!!
(5)