Sparks Steak House

History

The restaurant was founded by brothers Pasquale (Pat) and Mike Cetta in 1966. In the 1930s, Mike and the Cetta family had immigrated to New York from Sant'Angelo dei Lombardi in Campania, Italy, eventually working as butchers and winemakers in New York City.

The two Cetta brothers purchased the Sparks English Pub in 1966 and decided to turn it into a steakhouse. The steakhouse was originally located at 123 East 18th Street but moved to its current location in 1977. Pat had a heart attack and died in his apartment on the evening of January 24, 2000.

In 1985, Gambino crime family boss Paul Castellano and underboss Thomas Bilotti were gunned down outside its entrance on the evening of December16. The hit was given under the orders of John Gotti.

Reviews

In 2003, Wine Spectator gave a Restaurant Awards to Sparks Steak House.

In 2004, New York Magazine gave it the award of the Best Places to eat in New York City.

In 2005, New York Magazine – Adam Platt's – Where to Eat.

In 2005, GQ Magazine voted Sparks Steak House in the top 10 Restaurants That Still Matter.

In 2007, Sparks Steak House is voted The Greatest Steakhouse in Manhattan by Yahoo.

In 2010, Sparks Steak House is voted one of the top 100 restaurants in America.

In 2013, Zagat gave it a food rating of 26 (out of 30), and ranked it the #2 steakhouse in New York City.

References

References

1. "Sparks Steak House - New York | East 40s Restaurant Menus and Reviews". Zagat.com.
2. Asimov, Eric. (2000-02-01). "Pat Cetta, 66, the Gregarious Host of Sparks". The New York Times.
3. (December 17, 1985). "FBI fears murder of Castellano may ignite war for mob control". The Day.
4. (December 17, 1985). "Reputed Mafia boss murdered". Eugene Register-Guard.
5. (December 17, 1985). "Crime boss, bodyguard murdered in Manhattan". Spokesman-Review.
6. (December 17, 1985). "Mob boss murder leads to bulletin for Lincoln car". The Bulletin.
7. Selwyn Raab. (June 11, 2002). "John Gotti Dies in Prison at 61; Mafia Boss Relished the Spotlight". New York Times.
8. (January 7, 2003). "Sparks Steak House – Greatest Steakhouse in Manhattan, Best Steak House in New York City. Established 1966 » 2003 Restaurant Awards – WINE SPECTATOR". Sparkssteakhouse.com.
9. Adam Platt. "Sparks Steak House". New York Magazine.
10. (January 2, 2005). "Sparks Steak House – Greatest Steakhouse in Manhattan, Best Steak House in New York City. Established 1966 » New York Magazine – Adam Platt's – Where to Eat 2005". Sparkssteakhouse.com.
11. (March 1, 2005). "Sparks Steak House – Greatest Steakhouse in Manhattan, Best Steak House in New York City. Established 1966 » 10 Restaurants That Still Matter". Sparkssteakhouse.com.
12. "Yahoo | Mail, Weather, Search, Politics, News, Finance, Sports & Videos".
13. (December 2, 2010). "Sparks Steak House – Greatest Steakhouse in Manhattan, Best Steak House in New York City. Established 1966 » The Best Restaurants in America – Award for Sparks Steak House". Sparkssteakhouse.com.