Eating at Sparks Steak House. Best Steak in NYC at a Former Mob Spot?

I eat at and review Sparks Steak House in Midtown Manhattan of New York City. The restaurant is known for serving some of the best steak in NYC as well as seafood. In addition, Sparks is infamous for the fact that it was a notable mob hangout spot. Crime boss Paul Castellano and his bodyguard were assassinated right in front of the restaurant after John Gotti ordered the hit. I find out if Sparks lives up to the hype.

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About Me: I live in NYC and I’m about food, travel and work.

[Jamesnu]

I just have to mention one thing. The steak in the video from certain angles does look pinker than it actually was, but that was due to the indirect lighting and how my camera reacted to it. Filming in environments like that can be difficult. The times where I’m eating the steak showcased the color of the meat more accurately, albeit, it’s more difficult to see.

[s.macintosh-jcrf]

Hi James,
Thank you for your review of Spark’s Steakhouse. I was left with a feeling that I would be best served to save my money for Keen’s and Luger.
I thoroughly enjoyed your filming in the restaurant and I always like your narrative. I have watched your channel for some time now and I trust your opinion on restaurants and food. Thank you for the enjoyment that you create.
Best Wishes,
Peter

[freeport]

The refreshing earmarks of your critiques, James, are that they are candid, objective, and informative. This one is a good example of that. Thanks.

[travelfuller]

We're posting a video on Sparks this week as well! We had basically all the same criticisms, the menu lacks the typical steakhouse variety, it was pretty quiet and empty and we were there on a Friday evening, our two steaks were cooked very differently despite ordering the same temperature and our dessert was pretty disappointing. Really great review!

[colegreen]

I'm glad you explained about the lighting as your steak looked perfectly Medium Rare to me. I am more of a Pittsburgh Black and Blue fellow. Really James; it is always a pleasure to dine with you.

[hoppysport]

No music? I'm all in! Not every experience needs a soundtrack. Another superlative James Andrews production and review. Unmatched!

[PeterMigliorini-xo]

I was so pleased that you finally reviewed Sparks since I was eager to have you share your observations & thoughts with your viewers. This venue was always among my most favored spots when I was a salesman based in NYC & had a "generous" expense account & frequent clients to dine & entertain. Oh my, how things change as "time moves on"! While I no longer dine & entertain, I still always considered Sparks to be in the "top tier" category of NYC steakhouses. But, as always, I trust in your culinary judgement. My visual on your offered cut of meat inclines my to say that it appeared "medium rare" to me. However, I have read the numerous comments listed below & accept your remarks about "the room's lighting". I have no doubts that your review is accurate, and I can only express disappointment that "things never always remain as we wish it to be"!!! Memories are what we "hold on to", but new dialogue from trusted "friends" is our human suave as we "move on" in life. A final personal comment about Sparks; I grew up on 2 Ave & 47th Street in 1950's & 1960's. The physical location of Sparks on 46th Street was an A&P grocery store where my mother & grandmother shopped. This was always part of the "verbal banter" shared with my guests & clients while dining at Sparks. It's apart of my "story of life" I willingly share with others. So glad that you love food & appreciate NYC. Your offerings are always "must watch" viewing for me! This is Peter; out!

[johncornell]

Colorful history and steaks are to die for! Great review. Thanks James!

[NicHare-oc]

As always, it's a wonderful review! Thank you, James!

[amrakx]

You look like a younger version of Jude Law. I’m a new subscriber, I find your stylish reviews articulately fresh and simply honest. Looking forward to more content.

[ctursi]

Here’s the thing that people need to get comfortable with - and that is sending back food - even at $50+ per person but definitely $100+ per person. It took me a few years to get comfortable with this and i dont do it often but at those prices we DESERVE near-perfection. The one that drives me crazy the most is when hot food is served cold - now i always send it back. But also if a steak is undercooked, overcooked, too much gristle, etc or if seafood even smells a little bit. We all work too hard to accommodate a restaurant’s laziness or lack of attention to detail. At the end of the day, a verbal or even written comment may be useful, but the ultimate vote of “worthy” is eating and enjoying the food, and conversely the ultimate “NO, not good enough” is sending it back.

[patriciarogers]

Another informative review! Thank you!

[robertk]

If you pay $70 for a steak, they should nail the temperature

[christinemorrison]

I love watching your reviews.
Every time that i have warmed up pecan pie, it does tend to flatten out some...lol..now i want some pie!
Great review as always!

[AdvancedUSA]

I first dined at Sparks in 1978 - not long after they located at their current location. It had amazing dry aged, prime NY strips (as well as Filets which I don't care for). Their meat was imported from Argentina from Ceta Brothers, somehow affiliated with Sparks. Over the years they expanded to their huge size. Service remained excellent but the quality of the beef has declined. As far as I can tell it is no longer dry aged but the price is comparable with top NYC steak houses which serve dry aged beef. One of Sparks signature experiences was they would change the table cloth before coffee and desert. It was done in such a way that you barely knew it had been changed.. Ive watched this ritual many times and always was amazed. Sadly, after they seemed to drop dry aged beef I found another steakhouse which is absolutely amazing. Up to 90 day, top quality prime with all the choices of cut. A few weeks ago I had a porterhouse for two - heavenly. I won't mention the name because it's always crowded and I don't want it to become mobbed.

[kimmellish]

I love your videos James...I just want more of them.

[LukeBWoodVideos]

James, long time fan of your videos, am coming to NYC in October, can you recommend a steakhouse from the ones you've tried? Lugar? Keens? Benjamin? Would appreciate any tips!

[JWP]

I thought the steak looked medium rare and phenomenal, the mushrooms looked incredible, and the pecan pie (without a filling) looked terrific. Nothing to kvetch about, in my opinion.

[brendankoth]

You really should’ve gotten the Hashed Browned Potatoes. They are actually incredible and by far the best I have ever had! And yes the Sirloin is fantastic at Sparks. I’ve been dining at Sparks for years and you can’t go wrong. The food is excellent.

[afoodcriticsmonolog]

Good honest review James that both help customers on knowing what to expect, but also the restaurant on understanding what to improve - Keep it up 👏