Visit #2 · Midtown East, Manhattan
Sparks Steak House
- Score
- 67/100
- Worth a return visit
- yes
- Ranked
- #1/2
Manhattan
Served up in a martini glass - a coupe glass would’ve been more conventional (and preferred). The color was good and it drank well: good taste, good balance. Cherry was sunken on arrival instead of skewered on a cocktail pick.
Shrimp Cocktail
The shrimp were butterflied, which is unconventional, but not a fault — it was clear they had been properly cleaned. They had decent snap and were a decent size. Horseradish and Tabasco arrived alongside without needing to ask.
Filet Mignon
Not a barrel cut (rather, it was wider than it was tall) — which usually costs a filet its crust and leanness. This one still had a decent crust for that shape. The saltiness was good and it was cooked to the order. A couple of small areas of fat ran through it, which a filet at this level shouldn’t have. Good, but shy of the top tier.
Creamed Spinach
The weak spot. It came out “soupy” and with “little taste.”
New York Cheesecake
Good temperature — cool but not cold — and a good firm texture. It had a good flavor, though it could’ve been a bit stronger. The crust was tasty but “thin.” A decent slice that stops short of memorable.
The Room
Classic steakhouse: dark wood paneling, framed paintings, patterned red carpet, pressed-tin ceiling. It looks the part. The lighting had a prominent orange cast, which was fine but a bit odd. More character than a lot of rooms in this category.
Service
Quite good throughout. The only issue was a relatively long wait for the bill at the end.
Extras
Bread was served warm, with a dish of butter. The steak knives were a letdown: no wood handle, no big blade — not a normal knife, but not a substantial one either.
Value
The filet was $79.95, the Manhattan $30.98, the shrimp cocktail $33.95, the creamed spinach $17.95 and the cheesecake $16.50. That is $179.33 before tax for the order, which is steep all things considered.