Visit #2 · Midtown East, Manhattan
Sparks Steak House
- Score
- 67/100
- Worth a return visit
- yes
- Ranked
- #4/5
Manhattan, 8 out of 10
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, 7 out of 10
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, 22 out of 30
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, 4 out of 10
The weak spot. It came out “soupy” and with “little taste.”
New York Cheesecake, 3 out of 5
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, 8 out of 10
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, 8 out of 10
Quite good throughout. The only issue was a relatively long wait for the bill at the end.
Extras, 3 out of 5
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, 4 out of 10
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.