Is Sparks Steak House The BEST STEAK in New York?

Of all the candidates for best steakhouse in New York City, such as Gallaghers Steakhouse, Peter Luger, and Keens, Sparks Steakhouse is an often cited name. While the infamy surrounding Sparks Steakhouse and John Gotti is well known, Spark Steakhouse and the mafia having a history is not the only reason why Sparks is regarded by many as the best steak in NYC. The food here speaks for itself.
While the Sparks lobster tails are famous as well, the legendary Sparks prime sirloin steak is what has customers consistently going back for more, whether it's local New Yorkers, celebrities, questionable characters, or anyone. It is certainly saying something if the Sparks famous steaks have continued to have such a great reputation despite its history in mob history!
So try to look past the Sparks Steakhouse NYC mob hit past, and focus more on the present. Aside from the Sparks Steakhouse mafia hit, the food there is a real hit with the locals! So all puns aside, I decided to give it a try to see if it really is the best steak in New York, and potentially the best steak in the USA!
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Restaurant Deets:
Sparks Steak House
210 E 46th St, New York, NY 10017

[@jaywehrenberg5361]

“Some guy” was shot there? It’s the most famous mafia hit of all time. They killed big Paul, the previous godfather to Gotti.

[@Gyduker]

Marone

[@MI-tj1dv]

i like how upbeat, positive and smiley you are.. rare to see someone genuinely happy these days.. loving your vids.. keep it up

[@uaeats]

I appreciate the kind words! It's just how I am. I've always been a smiley guy

[@AtorThorn]

That's a really nice comment -- and true!

[@zedc7250]

Very true 👍🏼

[@bayjustin3885]

Steak looks lonely in that big plate. At least throw in a leaf. Damn. 😢

[@Manuel-qu3tc]

@@uaeats This is the way to be man. Either as YTer or not. Keep it up.

[@faffywaffle561]

Like this guy and his reviews. Wholesome and honest dude, no overproduction on the video.

[@trollzone1]

It’s called being an amateur and not a professional. He puts as little effort as possible

[@ramencurry6672]

@@trollzone1No. it’s being tasteful and well crafted

[@trollzone1]

@@ramencurry6672 it’s called being lazy and lacking talent.

[@Pamijay]

@@trollzone1 Yeah, a guy named "trollzone1" definitely knows a thing or two about professionalism lmfao.

[@trollzone1]

@@PamijayI definitely do 😂

[@nickmastro6870]

A couple items on that menu are perplexing, like the $16 sliced tomato and onion, and the $15 sautéed onions

[@BmanNL1]

$68 for just a steak is also quite high, €35 would cost it around here.

[@Ira88881]

@@BmanNL1 This is NYC, and a high-end restaurant. Not RIDICULOUSLY expensive.

[@BmanNL1]

@Ira88881 I understand that I was just comparing with local prices. I am planning to visit New York and would rather eat at this place instead of going to let's say some scam artist like salt Bae.

[@Ira88881]

@@BmanNL1 90% of these places have become tourist traps, but not really. More about living off their reputation. Definitely good food, gorgeous ambiance here…and Spark’s prices are not totally off the charts. But as a former New Yorker (I’ve been to Sparks several times in the 80s), I’ll tell you this: You really have to do a little research, because although I haven’t lived there in 35 years, I’m sure there are comparable restaurants, less famous, at much lower prices. That being said, although NYC is famous for great restaurants, things have gone downhill over the recent years re: value/price. It’s just too damn expensive to run a restaurant in Manhattan without “over charging.” Have you heard of The Palm? That’s the place to go.

[@jimklemens5018]

​@@BmanNL1 $68 is very normal.

[@adachou]

Hi UA, it’s the patron at Delmonicos sitting next to you here. Delmonicos steak was great until we tried 4 Charles prime rib. You got to try it out there. Will try Sparks next time. 👍🏻

[@uaeats]

I remember you! Thanks for the recommendation. I'll try to eat there as soon as I can! If you guys like steak I would recommend Sparks whenever you're able. I would say it's on the same level as Delmonico's

[@normandea]

Nice reviews, very positive, yet honest. Enjoyable to watch. Keep it up! That sirloin looks great, almost like a New York cut.

[@donglee3778]

Just on outside appearance alone, this is best looking steak so far on your channel. That color and crust looks amazing

[@uaeats]

It was definitely one of the best, if not the best steak I've eaten on this channel!

[@mikemcdermott1026]

Need a pitcher of cold beer and a salad

[@boombapmaniak5357]

As soon as that steak hit the table I was in awe. It was also cool that the manager stood by his food's quality too! This is definitely my kind of joint I can't wait to visit someday!

[@uaeats]

He was a really nice guy!

[@dkgong]

That restaurant looks like a scene out of The Godfather.

[@autumnlegend287]

You're channel is so underrated bro, your honest straight-forward opinion and observation are what people need nowadays

[@annehajdu8654]

*Your channel

[@coryz6880]

Sparks is great! I have been fortunate to eat there a couple of times. My favorite steakhouse is Bern’s in Tampa, FL. Quality, atmosphere, service, and value combined make it my favorite.

[@faizanmckagan2827]

Berns is just the bomb!

[@RealColdChiller]

Really enjoyed the video, always looking for new channels to follow

[@mikewalsh4562]

Thanks for the videos love them can’t wait to try these places

[@baddrobby99]

i love your channel. I never get tired of your reviews.

[@uaeats]

Thank you!

[@DallasDumplingDaddy]

Been here since you were in the first 1000 subscribers. Almost at 30k now! Keep the great content coming my man.

[@dennist.8210]

8:35 - If you need some company to assist, I'm here! 😅 Hi UA! Glad to see you on another food adventure. I'm actually really surprised at the results, especially if you'd compare it to a rib eye! There is one steakhouse in Queens that i haven't been to in quite literally 15 years. Back then, it was absolutely incredible, but i wonder if they're still up there in quality 🤔 Perhaps you can give em a try sometime! The name was Christo's Steakhouse. Cheers!

[@Oceanstone69]

Sparks may not serve rib cuts these days, but according to the true crime classic book "Boss of Bosses" by Joseph O'Brien and Andris Kurins, Big Paul Castellano would regularly enjoy a nice big prime rib from Sparks - at least he did prior to being whacked outside there with his underboss Tommy Bilotti (by Gotti's crew, as mentioned) on December 16, 1985. They said in the book that he preferred his prime rib cut from the third rib, because the meat on that rib is apparently the juiciest, most tender cut on the rib. Big Paul had been a butcher and a meat salesman in his younger years, and he knew quite a bit about beef and other meats. They also said in the book that he felt slighted by Sparks management because he had been a loyal customer for many years, yet he had never been offered so much as a complimentary drink there.

[@uaeats]

Wow, thanks for sharing all this info! I wonder if they still serve prime rib there off menu

[@Oceanstone69]

@@uaeats Thanks for the reply - you do great reviews and have an awesome channel. Sparks does in fact serve a prime rib off the menu - at least according to another reviewer's video. Perhaps you might go back soon for another review, and this time ask about the prime rib? Perhaps they might even grill a ribeye on request too?

[@dezreenmacdowell9967]

Thank you for the historical perspective. It was much appreciated.

[@SafeEffective-ls2pl]

I believe he also said NY strip is the best cut.

[@mikentosh]

Paul was known to be a stingy guy…

[@jinleeusa17]

I love enjoying watching these dining experiences with you!

[@marcl5048]

Amazing how many steak houses there are just in NY ! Keep the content coming!

[@BmanNL1]

I live in a city with about 225.000 people and we have at least 10 or more steak houses. Imagine a place as big as New York.

[@uaeats]

I will! Especially still so many steakhouses in NYC to eat at

[@ramencurry6672]

In my opinion, if you live far away from New York, it’s better to avoid steaks and focus on the pizza. Great steaks are not rare or difficult to find outside of New York but most pizza far away from New York is horrifyingly bad or mediocre

[@Araconox]

What are we going to do when Klaus and Bill Gates compel us to eat delicious crickets and grasshoppers? Or fake 3d meat? Would take the shine off the apple, just a little.

[@kade_kam_dad]

Great reviews 🤘🏽 Great narration.

[@vkkoorchester666]

love your content and personality. keep up the great work. can I add two things. the sorts of bread in these steakhouses (I come from Germany) are really looking like the saddest pieces of hotel breakfast / cheap supermarket freezer section varieties and you are spending soooo much time with these. appreciate that you would like to document the whole experience but it hurts - haha - just my opinion. :-) second. maybe you could change the music sometimes? when sb is binging your videos (like me) the music gets into your head and drives you nuts. and I think the music might not be the best fit for the more elegant dining experiences that you are covering here. thaaaanks for your content! have a good one

[@powe2550]

Love how much fun you’re having in this video.

[@lizw.4901]

Sparks was recommended to me as well. I've been there a few times but it's been a couple of years since I've gone there. Thanks for the review and the video reminder. I'm going to give it another go and make sure I order the prime steak!

[@scottgollahon3681]

Congratulations on the growth of your channel I'm happy for you. You wanted something went after it and it seems you are achieving it......Good Luck on your future endeavors

[@uaeats]

Thank you! It's been a lot of work but it seems to be paying off recently!

[@scottgollahon3681]

@@uaeats your doing well man you should be proud of yourself. One suggestion when you go to eat a specific item then decide to get other things because they look good and maybe you were unaware of them until you got to the restaurant you seem to always eat the auxiliary items first leaving the main item to sit and cool losing it's structural integrity. There has been times when you've even stated that maybe an item wasn't as good because it sat. I think the item that the video is concentrating on should ALWAYS be tried first then the others. Also I don't know why every food critic seems to think they need to get all the food at once. As a viewer I'd appreciate if you spent more time at the location and ordered things in layers. There is no reason the actual video should be longer and the viewers would receive a more accurate review of the items. Just a few suggestions.....I love how your synopsis seems honest every time certain reviewers act like the food is the GREATEST thing they've ever tasted the moment it enters their mouth which to me comes off as very inauthentic. I genuinely appreciate your review I also like how in your last review you can relate to the common man and acknowledge that a $50 dollar rib although enjoyable may not be worth it anyways your doing great and I'm glad for you keep it up and one day I'm sure this will be your primary gig if that's your goal......God bless

[@ccrider4556]

Watching for the happy food face! Thank you for the entertaining and valuable content.

[@marshallfield3792]

Sparks is great, but I would love to see you review 4 Charles Prime. It's very difficult to get into, but certainly worth the effort.

[@uaeats]

I will try to get in as soon as I'm able!

[@jamiecornista]

​@@begeneinerYes. I just had 4Charles last week and it was the best burger of my life.

[@pkpledn6]

If you want to know if your steak is cooked properly, cut the steak right down the middle into two halves. The ends tend to be more well done. Chefs get very upset if you send it back because you cut the end and think it is overcooked.

[@deraykrause4517]

haha I was just going to say that.

[@kellyc2425]

A "food critic" would know this.

[@lamesbond0077]

everyones a critic@@kellyc2425

[@mikeymutual5489]

@@kellyc2425 He's not a food critic. Just a young guy pretending to be one.

[@uaeats]

Good point! But then my steak is cut in two and not as fun to eat

[@needthis]

You my favorite new food KZbinr. Especially your reactions. It’s like does he like it or not. Lol.

[@clydemoyler8021]

EXCELLCENT REVIEW VERY PROFESSIONAL THANKS FOR SHARING

[@eRasedXem]

Just found the channel, loving the vibes in the videos bro! Subbed

[@anasibndawood6696]

Your the man UA . Love your reviews , keep them coming

[@2Wheels_NYC]

So awesome! I've wanted to try for years, now it got bumped up on my list. I always enjoy your reviews sir!

[@uaeats]

100% add it to the list. It is a must try!

[@sergioretes2233]

I bet that is Picanha steak. I am sure! Just discovered your channel, love the content!

[@jimlahtinen4185]

All this guy eats is hash brown potatoes.

[@opheliaronin]

That is one of the most gorgeous steaks of any cut I’ve ever seen! It is cooked to perfection. Killer is right! I loved your review, your honesty and your knowledge. You are passionate especially about your steaks. Amazing.

[@alessandro21686]

It's bizarre that a steakhouse has so few options for whole steak. No ribeye? Crazy.

[@tiderider]

I had Sparks last month while on vacation. I loved it. Wine list was amazing. Nice video

[@coryz6880]

Bern’s Steakhouse is my favorite overall steakhouse. Food quality, atmosphere, value & offerings. My favorite steakhouse in NYC is Sparks. I look forward to your review of Sparks.

[@JimmyQuinn-jf4oq]

Very likable guy. Also provides honest, informative content

[@davidhaber5304]

Excellent video. Very much enjoyed. I too was disappointed no strip or ribeye. But I’ve eaten there years ago. Excellent. Their steak is perfect and fairly priced. Would love you to try a Caesar salad or dessert next time.

[@lorifreeman1746]

Looks great I'm glad you enjoyed it ❤️

[@terrytio8982]

Used to go to Sparks all the time, many moons ago....awesome ambiance, and used to get the Steak Fromage & Lobsters. I know you don't drink but the wine menu is second to none. Great review, brings back many good memories.

[@rbosmunson]

I love your description of the food. Ive always been a sirloin fan. Ribeye, nys, etc are great cuts, but id rather spend my money on good sirloin. My local butcher has these huge thick cut sirloins and I love for the price. Keep up the good work!

[@ezramullen4551]

And.. now I'm hungry. 😂 Great channel btw

[@aiscienceguy]

that manager talk was definitely a mafioso move

[@Gyduker]

Ming

[@jessicanuveenleflar7061]

My husband and I went to Sparks on our honeymoon in NYC back in 2007. It was one of the best weve ever been to!n. Glad you loved it!

[@roneddy815]

UA i live in the woods in Northern Michigan. I would recognize u. Keep up the great work!

[@kslagley]

I've been to Sparks many times, always been fantastic. Definitely old school NYC Steakhouse. I think anyone born after 1995 will of course hate it.

[@ganderson158]

Love your videos! Of all the steaks I've seen you have this one seems the best. Or in the top 3?

[@myfeee]

Love your content, what is your day job and what does UA stands for. Thank you John from 🇨🇦

[@EduardoCorrochio90]

Finally! Great review.

[@davidwong2]

dont be so modest UA. you are most definitely one of the top 3 youtube food reviewers.

[@uaeats]

Wow thanks so much for the kind words!

[@katec4096]

I just ate there last night. I had the filet mignone. It was medium rare and perfect. The hash browns and spinach was nice too. All followed by a thin slice of cheese cake with strawberries. Delicious.

[@rxlxviii]

Next time if you go with a group of people, instead of ordering appetizers, get one of their lobsters for the appetizer. If you have 4 people, the cost is around the same for the lobster as it would have been for 3 or 4 appetizers.

[@richardsmith4187]

Sparks Steak House is a great choice in the city !! The steaks are legendary as are the wonderful sides. The atmosphere is relaxed and peaceful, but can get lively at times. If you are desiring a great steak you will not be disappointed and your meal will be a great experience. The service is exceptional and your visit will be treasured.

[@RR-fg2rl]

Great video I love all your honest reviews been to sparks and Delmonicos and love both and even though it's a chain get mortons Cajun steak medium rare the flavors will knock you out. I also go to Raos once a year they take reservations mon before Thanksgiving for next year hardest restaurant in world to get into they do a great steak

[@thebigmoo]

Been there many times, very good and consistent.. go to my favorite, Smith and Wollensky.. 48 hour marinated rib eye is the bomb! I went there EVERY Thursday for almost 15 years.. try it!

[@deenyc1049]

It’s been years since I’ve been to sparks but I remember it was pretty great with amazing service. I distinctly remember getting a huge lobster as well and it was perfectly cooked. I need to go back.

[@uaeats]

I wish I were not allergic to lobster. I didn't used to be. Those were good days

[@jamiecornista]

They also have a wine menu, if im not mistaken. One of the most robust wine selections I've seen across the different NYC steakhouses.

[@Rockinrn]

Love your facial expressions, priceless and very descriptive.

[@jackiecebu3328]

Closed eyes like he's going in for a kiss lol..

[@Game_Daily18]

Great review like always mate 👍

[@tony-ce7qp]

Another winner for us thank you i think this might be your #1 for now dude!

[@mikes.4136]

Wow - that steak looks delicious, and your reaction to the flavor is priceless! The texture looks great too! The hash browns look incredible, too. Great review!

[@scottm235]

At Dakodas Pub, up here in Kelowna BC Canada. We make a wicked baseball cut sirloin steak. Wet aged . I love the flavor of a sirloin. I love yer videos. Keep it up. I had a Delmonico steak after watching your video, (in Kelowna) at a place here in town and it was unreal. We have the best beef dip in Canada . (voted #1 by the CBDA) but we love steak too!!

[@brandonjohansky9377]

I head in the city once a year from Jersey for this place. Never disappoints

[@StephenDavis-vh4oc]

Nice Review of a Sirloin Steak, definitely a place I would definitely visit when going to NYC and my typical steak is the NY Strip!

[@MarkusJArbab]

The mob black Lincoln sedan parked in front. 😅

[@frankb1]

Good job, UA!!

[@user-id9fv6of6x]

Please allow me to express some personal comments. In the past, you have graciously responded to comments of mine in review of other channel offerings & to which I have appreciated in return. I have now watched some of your recent offerings & now gladly have subscribed to your channel. Your reviews are quite accurate & entertaining. My early childhood was spent raised on 47th Street & 2nd Ave. Sparks was an A&P grocery store & Smith & Wollensky was then known as Manny Wolfs as I was growing up there. So it's all very personal for me! Yet, I am so very impressed with your impressions & reviews of restaurants. It was because of James Andrews that I became aware of your postings. As I am so extremely glad for his success, I am now quite pleased to be a subscriber of your channel. Thank you for your recent & future offerings! This is Peter; out!

[@ViolinistWilliam]

The best reviewer on YT! No holds barred. Love this steak too.

[@uaeats]

Thank you!

[@mrpeel3239]

I second the motion that Sparks is especially good if you're with someone who doesn't like steak, since the seafood is excellent. The decor looks like Diamond Jim Brady meets Paul Castellano.

[@nightowl5475]

Paul Castellano was dying to go there.

[@williamminehan4416]

Great video. I appreciate it. And it looks like a really good steak. 😊

[@Rob901]

Thanks for posting. I've never eaten at Sparks . I'd like to try it . Best Steak I've had was at The river palm terrace in edgewater nj . The porterhouse

[@paullawson2830]

UA, I really enjoy your content.. have a great Weekend buddy!

[@PSS521]

ur videos are awesome bro

[@genekelly8467]

Paul Castellano loved Sparks.

[@SafeEffective-ls2pl]

He said it's to die for

[@TheJmich2001]

Very good review!

[@oldsnwbrdr]

Subscribed. Do you ever get to Cleveland? I’d suggest the prime ribeye at Red the Steakhouse, my all time favorite.

[@elroyvanderley6460]

Looks great! Im visiting New York next month. I'll go here before my broadway show!

[@akiblue]

Your reviews are so refreshing, positive and unique. Keep it up! I noticed you were in Montreal and I was going to suggest a steak house called La Queue de Cheval, but sadly, checking google, they seem to be permanently closed.

[@JAyy781]

View of the menu is interesting glad you threw that bit in there.

[@briox53]

Great review

[@alanledzep1967]

Wow….. You keep knocking it out of the park UA!!!! Great review.

[@pvoss07]

I used to love Sparks as a kid - it was always a little hit or miss for me, but when they were on they were ON - and a terrific salty char which I always love.

[@pvoss07]

up there with Keane's for me (and very close by).

[@jeffrey3498]

I couldn’t wait to hear the mmm mmm mmm when you dug into that steak 🤣👍

[@tyroneking2]

Have you tried the steak at Quality Meats in Midtown? Is it possible to make review? Thank you.

[@jodyovsiew3671]

I’m really hungry now! Thanks man!! 😂

[@jenks2841]

Love your videos

[@mitchellfelder2420]

Thank you for an honest opinion on each item.

[@craigs1871]

Have you tried the River palm in edgewater,nj. Curious of your opinion. If you go you must have a reservation. Even when you have one you may still wait 90 minutes for your table as happened to my boss. Is it worth the wait for there steaks ?

[@yPickMe]

26.4K subscribers - you go UA!

[@JohnVC]

My beef with these upscale steakhouse prices is that they lack on the small details. The average person might spend $80+ for dinner, but you're going to serve cold butter with the bread? The sides are always overpriced as well.

[@mikeymutual5489]

This place looked like it just wasn't trying very hard.

[@JohnVC]

@@mikeymutual5489 Yeah. It's like they know they can charge more, because people think they're going to pay more at a steakhouse. But if you look at the details, there's no reason to be paying more. It's like buying a hot dog in Disney world.

[@charleshammer2928]

Yeah it wouldn't take too much effort to source some top notch butter from grass fed cows in upstate NY or Vermont

[@chaostheory16]

@@charleshammer2928or even Kerrygold, at a bare minimum… the roll also looks straight off a Sysco truck.

[@andrewhosfeld]

“Infamous is when you're more than famous!…” -Ned Nederlander

[@williamfruhauf]

Sparks has always been my favorite steakhouse. I don’t know if this is still true, but their wine list was extensive and relatively fairly reasonably priced.

[@oldironsides4107]

If you like sparks you must try sizzler.

[@naturalprinciples8520]

@@oldironsides4107 hahah, pretty funny

[@tompaciga7386]

Looked delicious 😋 definitely made me getting a steak this weekend

[@3up3down.]

With regards to your one hand comment…. You should get a mini tripod and setup on the table….

[@Eelgram]

Nice review, but perhaps you could have someone accompany you to these restaurant visits. Some of us love seafood and would like to see those dishes reviewed, as well. 🐟🐟🐟

[@TheD825]

UA you should try Bryant&Cooper Cajun Ribeye in Roslyn, NY. A little bit of a journey for you but an easy train ride from the city. And still the best steak I've ever had!

[@Michael-vg5tl]

It’s a question of preference, but as someone that has eaten at a ton of steakhouses over the years, as well as someone that purchases half a butchered cattle yearly(AAAA/Prime here for n Canada), the strip, depending on where it’s cut on the loin, is the best cut. I find that premium rib steaks are just too fatty. It’s a question of a preference though!

[@Moelester692]

Agreed , rib eye can be too rich at times . Strip is leaner but the beef flavor is second to none .

[@joelspaulding5964]

The strip is about the third best cut, regardless of its origin

[@uaeats]

I agree, I love NY Strip. It's just got that perfect balance!

[@JOZoSo.]

Wow, AAAA? Is that 1 better than AAA?

[@billthomas6296]

Beautiful looking steak. Question, have you tried Homestead Steakhouse NYC? Oldest continuously operating steakhouse in the US since 1868. And you were correct about the first steakhouse in the US Delmonico's 1837 which I would love to try, in fact I want to eat at them all. You can never get enough great steak.