Posted By: N2wiines (25/07/2009 4:47:40 PM)
Comment: We've been there many times and went in last Thursday, 7/23. I must say, we were disappointed by the service. It was quiet, so no excuse for being too busy. An empty cocktail glass left on the table throughout the meal, bottle of wine decanted away from the table (out of sight!), no refills on bread or water...I've been served better in a diner. It's a shame because we love this place and have had some great meals in the past. I'm willing to say that maybe it was just one night and we'll try again. If it's like that again, no way. When you're getting $75-$100 per person, it has to be better than this was.

Posted By: Foodie (06/01/2009 12:08:59 PM)
Comment: Food was okay. Overpriced. Won't go back.

Posted By: Roger W. Hamilton (19/09/2008 8:54:45 AM)
Comment: Any business that purchases foreign beef is down right unamerican. I boycot McDonalds because of their New Zealand Beef and if Starks is selling beef from Uraguay I'll do the same thing. Shame on them..

Posted By: Claire (04/09/2008 9:21:06 PM)
Comment: We checked out Stark's to celebrate my husband's birthday. He and my son are true carnivores, I, am decidedly not. Long story short: they both loved it. I was unimpressed. We all agreed the food was way too salty. The ambience was perfect, the wait staff unobtrusive and professional. We loved all the little staub cast iron dealios. Watching the garlic butter congeal in the bread pan not so fun though. We all shared the artichoke and calamari for appetizers...fried lemon slices quite good...but the batter and aioli oversalted. I had the spinach salad with truffled egg...and did I mention it was too salty? The boys loved their steaks, and I tried to the peppercorn sauce.....too salty. DH and I fought over the creamed spinach and dear son practically licked his mac and cheese dish clean. I thought the onion rings and yam fries way to greasy and not to my liking at all. SO if you are looking for a classy place to have a cafe' coronary...Starks is it. But for my money, I go for thai food anyday before this joint (and could go for a week of sundays for the same price!)

Posted By: Jeff (30/06/2008 2:43:49 PM)
Comment: You say Starks I say "NO". Overpriced, rude, so so food...If you are going to charge $$ you need to dazzle....

Posted By: Tim (25/06/2008 4:41:16 PM)
Comment: I went there for a birthday dinner because I heard that they had sweetbreads on their menu. What a awesome thing to run on a menu( Which they took off the week prior and never bothered to update the website). What a waste of money. Having cooked in the area for 15 years I was sorely dissapointed! Not only was the steak so-so the rest of the overpriced sides were as well. I expected to pay alot for the meal but I also expect alot for the price. What a huge bummer I will never go back thats for sure. Overall two thumbs down!!!

Posted By: Matt (19/06/2008 2:52:11 PM)
Comment: I went there with an open mind and fully prepared to spend big bucks. I have to be honest... I will never go back. The steak was forgetful and $12 for a manhattan? My favorite has always been good old butter infused Ruth's Chris. This is nowhere near as good. The meat may have been a good qulaity but it was flavorless. My wife and suddenly realzied that the steaks we BBQ at home are alot better and a fraction fo the price. I normally love creamed spinach, but all I could say about theirs is YUCK! Sorry but next time I will wait unitl I go to the city and good old Ruth's Chris! Consistantly delicious!

Posted By: Jeff (09/05/2008 11:58:40 PM)
Comment: I haven't eaten at Starks, but i just wanted to respond to the individuals who are advocates of locally produced beef. I am all for reducing my carbon footprint where possible and supporting local business. Still, i don't see anything wrong with sourcing products from other regions, especially if they are superior. What if Southern Californian restaurants stopped using Sonoma County produce or wines? Brandt produces the best steaks i have ever tasted and i have been to plenty of steakhouses in many different regions of the United States. Furthermore, Brandt seems to pride itself on its quality and processing. I have had Neiman Ranch beef and other more local products that were not nearly as good. I am sure you are sore for not getting their business, but don't fault Starks for bringing a fine product to our area.

Posted By: Candice (03/04/2008 10:04:40 AM)
Comment: I was avoiding Starks because it is out of my price range but ended up meeting a friend there for lunch and was blown away. The onion rings with truffle aioli was fabulous so I thought that I would go light on the main by ordering the spinach salad.Warm spinach salad with sauteed oyster mushrooms and a truffle fried egg on top. Incredible.Took most of it home and had it for lunch the next day. Still good.Not bad price either.

Posted By: Supporters of local meat (27/03/2008 7:52:57 AM)
Comment: We read the review of Stark's steakhouse, and even though we haven't eaten there, we are assuming it must be good. We work with local beef producers, who supply locally produced grass fed and corn finished beef year round. We do not understand why Stark's beef steaks are from Uruguay and Southern California? What does that say about supporting local as well as reducing the carbon footprint?. Educate yourself about where your meat comes from (Google Brandt beef). We support local agriculture and hope Sonoma County does the same.

Posted By: RegularSteakEater (04/03/2008 11:47:34 PM)
Comment: Ohhh...I just discovered that the same people who own Stark's Steakhouse on Seventh Street also own Monti's Rotisserie in Montgomery Village. That's one of the other places that "rounded up" my change (see my earlier post about this). It's obviously their policy to rip off the customers for their change...must add up nicely over the course of a year! Now there are two places I will never go again. Think about it Starks!

Posted By: Wojamo (03/03/2008 10:37:00 AM)
Comment: Thanks to all of you who were guinea pigs and tried out this place and wrote in about it. Now I can save my hard-earned cash!

Posted By: RegularSteakEater (02/03/2008 8:15:27 PM)
Comment: We just ate at Starks for the first time this evening. The food was so-so and was way overpriced. I can get a better steak at Stormy's. We paid the check and when our change was given back to us, we discovered that we had been "rounded up" to the next higher dollar amount. In other words, money was taken from us that we did not owe. That is called theft. Two things happened that night; (1) we made sure that we recouped our money by leaving less of a tip for the waitress (if she was following the house rules then she should discuss the ramifications of their change making policy with the person giving her the order to do that), and (2) we decided to never go there again. It was only a matter of a few cents but I will NOT be held up for my money. If the waitress failed to count our change correctly then she should have been paying better attention. But, I have had this happen before at "high end" restraunts and will never patronize them again either. Bad idea Starks.

Posted By: Cabernet (25/02/2008 9:09:32 AM)
Comment: I went to Starks for lunch last week to celebrate the completion of a large project. We arrived famished and looked forward to our steaks, the problem was that this is a steak house and they, wait for it.................. Don't serve steaks? The name should be Stark' Burger House, cause all they offer is burgers for lunch, no steaks.

Posted By: Babs (18/02/2008 7:31:41 PM)
Comment: We were quite excited to have a high end steakhouse open in Santa Rosa. Having dined at a few over the last 12 months, Ruth Chris, Spencers, Saddles, we know what to expect food wise and price wise. We were disappointed in the food and the price. Stark's being the most expensive of all mentioned. The waiter was fair, atmosphere was good but the food was overpriced. The sides were a joke. The waiter stating "they serve 2-3 people. Ha, the fancy feast can sized mashed potatoes served in a covered pot was not enough to feed 1 person. Steaks were served to the wrong person and not until the meal had been partly eaten was it discovered. I enjoying dining out and love to pay for great food and service. This was not it.

Posted By: Debbie (09/02/2008 7:47:11 AM)
Comment: Lovely room, exceptional atmosphere. Service was pretentious instead of polished. Our waiter seemed to feel he was doing us a favor by serving us, when he should have been more focused on getting the right dishes to the right people. For the price (about $100 per person) the food was OK - not exceptional, and not worth it. We are not opposed to spending that kind of money on dinner - but we do expect the whole experience to be worth the cost. We did not feel we got our money's worth.

Posted By: A.J. (02/02/2008 4:00:21 PM)
Comment: The Starks have gone a great job of remodeling. My wife and I were quite impressed with everything except the food! My rib eye was no better than what I cook at home and the escargot was not tasty at all. I was also disappointed that I could not order a baked potato. These comments are meant to be helpful. Monti's and Willi's (in Healdsburg) are two of our favorite restaurants.

Posted By: redlvs2tvl&eat (02/02/2008 1:00:14 PM)
Comment: Just ate at Stark's Steakhouse recently. Loved it! Yes they have a few things to work out and have actually made some good changes since opening. As many have remarked, Stark's gives Sonoma County and especially Santa Rosa some credibility. For those of you who may remember the Wine Spectator where the Russian River Valley was pictured on the front (I think June 2001?) where the author commented that when it comes to places to eat and sleep, stay and eat in Napa as Sonoma isn't as sophisticated as Napa!!!! That just made me mad. Like it or not and like them or not, no one can deny that the Stark's have brought some style and sophistication to Santa Rosa and have hugely added to what was going on in Healdsburg when they opened Willi's Seafood. What a great additions to our area. I will bet you that folks in Napa don't complain every time a new restaurant opens that the price of drinks and entrees are too high. Get real! Stark's is still much cheaper than most restaurants in Napa or San Francisco. You people need to stay the loyal patrons you obviously are to Cattlemen's!!!

Posted By: McSteakin' (01/02/2008 11:56:59 PM)
Comment: Back to Stark's Steakhouse for a sec....I dined there recently and loved everything about it. The service was outstanding, the food was worth the price, the atmosphere sublime. My ONLY complaint would have to be the noise level. There on a Saturday night in main dining room, I could only converse with two of the five comrades who accompanied me, those seated immediately next to me. But all in all, I would have to give it five out of five stars and hope they are around for a long time to come.

Posted By: Candice (01/02/2008 12:23:26 PM)
Comment: Wojamo,one more comment on Stormys. Don't be swayed by the prime rib or anything else.Friends that I have introduced to this place have done that and then drooled over my rib eye. Make sure that you order the onion rings to go with your meal and not as an appetizer.It can be pricey but I've yet to finish the steak so it is like 2 meals.

Posted By: Michelle (01/02/2008 11:19:58 AM)
Comment: Jay - I read that review, I'd say that is right on point..that's the Stormy's I remember. I just might end up at Stormy's this weekend!

Posted By: Jay (01/02/2008 10:54:53 AM)
Comment: wojamo, prices are listed in this review of Stormy's, the place has GREAT cuts of meat. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/reviews/restaurants/7077950127.DTL&type=food

Posted By: Michelle (01/02/2008 9:25:08 AM)
Comment: Wojamo - I have eaten at Stormy's a few times too... it is VERY hard to find, but worth the search! The steaks are excellent, the drinks are perfect. One downfall (and really not that bad) is this restaurant is small and noisy. Well, I should say it was small and noisy last time I was there which was a year ago. Maybe they've expanded? But the steak was memorable! I had the filet medium and it was exactly medium..very nicely done. YUM I'm hungry now!! :o) I am trying Stark's this weekend. I hope it's good, I really wanted a good (local) steakhouse...so we'll see?

Posted By: Chris (31/01/2008 8:06:46 PM)
Comment: I thought I would review at least just the bar part of this restaurant because not too much has been said yet. The white coats are a nice throwback to the steakhouses our parents might have known, but it makes the room a little stiff. MORE stiff. The drinks aren't bad- even if they take a minute or two longer than they should when the bar isn't busy- but they ARE overpriced. They have entered into the area of Upper Fourth; meaning they are overpriced, and not worth it. The other restaurants they own manage to be expensive but worth it. What happened to the steakhouse? They could have taken a clue from the raw/seafood restaurant in Healdsburg or the now-closed Barcode. Great drinks at both, good service, and you don't feel like an idiot after trying to reconcile what you paid with what you got. The service is STIFF to say the least. No personality, no sense of urgency, and you feel bothered when you try to make a gesture to them that you want a drink or a refill. And watching a few of the barstaff they have there make cocktails takes me back to when I was learning how to bartend. They've set the bar high with the decor, menu, prices, and attitude, bring it into the bar. Let's get some faster/better/friendlier service in that room. And I've been there four times, this isn't a one-time glimpse.

Posted By: Chris (31/01/2008 8:06:46 PM)
Comment: I thought I would review at least just the bar part of this restaurant because not too much has been said yet. The white coats are a nice throwback to the steakhouses our parents might have known, but it makes the room a little stiff. MORE stiff. The drinks aren't bad- even if they take a minute or two longer than they should when the bar isn't busy- but they ARE overpriced. They have entered into the area of Upper Fourth; meaning they are overpriced, and not worth it. The other restaurants they own manage to be expensive but worth it. What happened to the steakhouse? They could have taken a clue from the raw/seafood restaurant in Healdsburg or the now-closed Barcode. Great drinks at both, good service, and you don't feel like an idiot after trying to reconcile what you paid with what you got. The service is STIFF to say the least. No personality, no sense of urgency, and you feel bothered when you try to make a gesture to them that you want a drink or a refill. And watching a few of the barstaff they have there make cocktails takes me back to when I was learning how to bartend. They've set the bar high with the decor, menu, prices, and attitude, bring it into the bar. Let's get some faster/better/friendlier service in that room. And I've been there four times, this isn't a one-time glimpse.

Posted By: craig (31/01/2008 7:53:20 PM)
Comment: four of us tried Starks 2 weeks ago. I'm a big fan of steak and was looking forward to the evening. I was disappointed for the following reasons: very noisy which seems to be the norm in restautants today, we wanted appetizers but could'nt find anything interesting or shareable. The wine list is excellent if you have deep pockets but there is nothing at the value or mid range. No baked potatoe, unheard of in a steak house. a table cloth would be a nice touch, the desert offerings were a turn off. And the steaks were OK but at those price you expect great. My benchmark for a great steak is Peter Lugers, Sparks and the Palm in New York. I traveled 110,000 miles on business last year and ate a lot of steak. The place has potential but needs a lot of work. I probably won't go back because I can get a much better steak at home

Posted By: Wojamo (31/01/2008 4:14:18 PM)
Comment: Candice- this place you're talking about (Stormy's) sounds great! I had to check out a map to see where "Bloomfield" is. How are prices there? Example- what would a meal consisting of a steak and martini (as described with all the fixin's) set one back?

Posted By: Candice (31/01/2008 12:34:43 PM)
Comment: Just a comment on steaks and cocktails. When I want/need both I go to Stormys in Bloomfield.First off the martini glasses are chilling in a trough of crushed spring water ice on the bar. My Chopin Vodka is shaken and poured into the chilled glass and the remainder of the martini in the shaker is also given to me.I order my rib eye medium rare with a side of onion rings and after an okay salad and soup the steak arrives black on the outside and perfect on the inside.Sitting next to a warm fire it doesn't get much better than that.Being a family run operation they tend to not suffer fools gladly but still it is worth it.

Posted By: Buttercup (29/01/2008 9:34:42 AM)
Comment: I would love to see the lunch menu! Could someone post it! Thanks LOVE this group...write on :-)

Posted By: vinoluv (25/01/2008 10:49:30 PM)
Comment: Wow!! Thanks for the heads up. We were planning on checking out Starks but now that I know how pricey it is I will pass. We love a great meal and drinks with friends but for 2 couples to spend over $500.00 on one meal is way out of my range. This working couple has bills to pay! It could be the best steak in the world in the greatest atmosphere. But it is one meal for one night out. I am not that anxious to have a steak in a new place know matter how tasty it may be. Good luck to the Starks. The place looks beautiful from the pictures online.

Posted By: Wetcardboard (25/01/2008 9:37:30 PM)
Comment: We had a terrible meal there. We went with another couple for a celebration and several things jumped out. 1- Three people ordered the dry aged rib eye, the difference in size between them as amazing. My wife's cut was twice as thick as mine. 2- If you go to Ruth's Chris or any other high end steak house and order a side it is huge, not here. I got six onion rings, you get a larger helping at Burger King. 3- We dropped $530, with only one bottle of mid priced wine purchased. 4- We did enjoy the staff. 5- Bar noise was brutal. In the end what we had was good, we just didn't get enough to eat and spent enough to make a lease payment on a Boxter.

Posted By: MsSteak (25/01/2008 6:15:28 PM)
Comment: Yeah Wojamo ... and this loser DID have lunch there yesterday. Veal Burger with Salsa Verde, Sharp Cheddar, Pancetta and Watercress. Fries with a side of Truffle Aioli for dipping! YUM she says. I am definatly going back soon. You can get a GREAT lunch for under $20. They have a "build your own burger" with about a dozen topping to choose from. Then several signature burgers ... tuna, chicken, kobe, veal and lamb. Some nice salads as well. I have been hearing the Fried Chicken is something else ...

Posted By: Wojamo (25/01/2008 11:52:13 AM)
Comment: I agree. Very nice review, Dluv. Welcome to the group who, according to "Jay", have no lives! Bunch of losers the whole lot of us!

Posted By: heather irwin (25/01/2008 10:21:05 AM)
Comment: agreed with Michelle, Dluv. Join the crew, baby.

Posted By: Michelle (25/01/2008 9:04:18 AM)
Comment: Dluv.... ever consider writing restaurant reviews? You have posted the most beautifully written critique on this place yet! Thanks for that very informative post! You covered most aspects of that restaurant (in my opinion) that people want & need to know! May I ask what restaurant you are a chef at?

Posted By: Dluv (25/01/2008 1:55:47 AM)
Comment: Checked this place out the other night. I'm a So Co chef and these are my opinions: Beautiful decor- the Starks must have spent a small fortune on the chairs alone. Great colors and lighting, I felt like I was in NY or the 1930s, or both. Absolutely loved the oysters on the 1/2, best accompaniment I've ever had - shiso ice, great job. Cocktail- Grey goose martini,up- perfect. Mains- both steaks overdone by one temp- understandable so early in the game. Sides- steak frites weren't duck fatty enough, and creamed spinach not creamy enough, and I would prefer it whole leaf instead of shredded. Wine list- Super pricey, although there are a few affordable, decent finds. Toppers- super delicious bone marrow and very well executed truffled fried egg. Service- a bit slow, but very attentive. Price- steep but worth it if they can perfect it. I'll never be a regular here cuz I cant afford to be but It'll definitely be on my special ocs list, and there's nothing around like it. My one complaint regarding the design is the bathroom sink. Once again beautiful decor, awesome faucet, but whats up with the shallow sink which splashes water all over the place. Not sexy. Form = Function my people. Overall, a great experience. Bravo Mark and Terri.

Posted By: Jay (24/01/2008 3:10:49 PM)
Comment: Some of you really need to get a life beyond the keyboard, at least one for sure, the one who keeps changing it's name and telling the rest how to comment. What a fool....

Posted By: MsToastcrumbs (24/01/2008 9:50:30 AM)
Comment: I love it - that comment is so funny! Wojamo - "AMEN" to your post, Like I said in my earlier post "Just accept the public's comments and make changes as you deem necesary!" Keywords - as you deem necessary. It's not rocket science.

Posted By: Wojamo (23/01/2008 6:16:16 PM)
Comment: "...toast crumbs in my butter." Oh, that's good. I'm going to use that. I don't have a problem with the attention Starks (or any Starks restaurant) gets on here- as long as we are able to openly respond and critique. MY opinion (not likely to be shared by all) is that when the owners (in this case the Starks) start posting comments on their own restaurants- it kind of defeats the purpose. This should be, for them, something they want to read (and maybe learn from?) and not get involved with. Again- just my opinion.

Posted By: Heather Irwin (23/01/2008 10:14:07 AM)
Comment: Always looking for fabulous dining companions. McNibs is my go-to, but he gets eechy about pig hearts, offal or anything with cheese. Silly boy.

Posted By: MsSteak (23/01/2008 9:45:55 AM)
Comment: Hey Heather! If you need any help EATING ... Let me know. ;)

Posted By: Wow (23/01/2008 9:11:09 AM)
Comment: Apparently a couple of u are having at each other, but for God's sake please do not ask Heather to stop pimpin this place by doin yet another spread on it. Even though she told Michelle:"Yes, I DO realize I've talked about this one to death." she jumped down my throat when I asked her to blog on another local eatery instead next time. I know you've covered hundreds of places Heather, but there are several just in the downtown area that u seem to have missed. And they are a little more affordable to 90% of your target audience than Stark's. Hope u are havin a better day today.

Response: Oh Ajgizliar, you're the toast crumbs in my butter. And i mean that with love. So let's do this thing! Send me a list of restaurants you think I've overlooked and i will be happier than a clam to consider them. It gets hard finding all this stuff on my own. In fact, consider this an open invitation to all BiteClubbers. Who's been overlooked? Who's is way overrated? Secret spots? Whatever. My email is always open. biteclub@pressdemo.com. PS PLEASE don't list them on this thread as it will take things off topic and I'll have to delete them and move them myself. Blah. That's a lot of work. I'm here...

Posted By: MsBitter (23/01/2008 9:03:32 AM)
Comment: "you seem very bitter" Now that sounds like a judgement. Okay, I will admit to being harsh in my last post, I certainly did not try to offend anyone. I think I vented some frustration over Mark & Teri Stark's restaurants taking up too much attention (probably, not their fault either) but, I am just so ready to move on to other openeings/restaurant reviews. Which I think Heather is doing since admitting that she has talked about Stark's "to death" so that being said, I to will most definitely dine at Stark Steakhouse, and I am very much looking forward to it. I am glad that we now have an upper-scale steakhouse in this town. AND I don't care how much it costs, I just want the quality to match the price - that's all I am going to say about it.

Response: Thanks for the explanation. Civility (with a little humor thrown in) rules. Where's Vince, anyway?

Posted By: MsSteak (23/01/2008 8:10:48 AM)
Comment: One more thing: I have been My1MsSteak online for over 10 years now. MsSteak for short. Some of my friends even refer to me as "The Steakster". A little useless trivia for those of you interested.

Posted By: MsSteak (23/01/2008 7:50:54 AM)
Comment: Michelle: I am NOT Terri Stark! If you were paying attention you would know that. I have commented in many different threads on many different restaurants! I happen to love what Mark Stark and his gang do. Do you have a problem with that? I said I had a wonderful meal there. I did. I said I am going there for lunch. I am. Nothing more. Nothing less. Not every restaurant or chefs concept is going to appeal to everyone. C'est la vie! This is an open forum for people to express their opinions. It is not a place for passing judgement and making false accusations. You seem very bitter ...

Posted By: Michelle - Fed Up (22/01/2008 11:00:44 PM)
Comment: Maybe I should kept my mouth shut, but that wouldn't be me. Something about Terri Stark being both; MsSteak, and TerriStark in her posts REALLY bugs me... PUHLEEZE figure out your identity and let's be done with it! Just accept the public's comments and make changes as you deem necesary! You may think you have cornered the cutting edge restaurant market in "Santa Rosa" but you're not all that - Frankly, I am tired of it. All of these posts for and against your restaurants have tired me of you & your husband's talents. Enough of it already! Expensive, or cheap...It isn't about the money.. it's about food with integrity, it's about a NorCal restaurant that gives the community something it's lacking. I am beginning to think (maybe thanks to biteclub) that your restaurant(s) talents are just over-rated? Let's move on to real Mom & Pop businesses that cater to real Mom & Pop people that want a great meal for whatever they can afford.

Posted By: http:// (22/01/2008 8:26:02 PM)
Comment: F.Y.I Stark's there is nothing natural about corn fed beef.

Posted By: Jakob (22/01/2008 7:21:34 PM)
Comment: Thank you for the "...may raise the pierced eyebrows of their former-Barcode demographic..." quote. Let me expound. It has not only raised our eyebrows, but left us without a place downtown to get a good drink. The Stark's Steakhouse is comparably priced, but not in walking distance of most of the other bars downtown, and lacks the "creative menu" the barcode had. I love a good Manhattan from time to time, but where are my Cucumber Shots, my Kiwi Frescas? Like many, many, many other people, I was sad to see Barcode close, but it was made worse by the lack of a closing affair or any notice whatsoever. I would have liked a chance to pay my last respects to what was my favorite bar/lounge north of the city. As for the Steakhouse; it's a fantastic addition to the local restaurant scene. The steaks are often over-cooked, and there is no doubt the place is overpriced. Still, it's comfortable, and I am glad it has finally opened. In the end it's too bad that they had to close Barcode to open this place, but maybe with time and a few price decreases the Stark's will regain the confidence and sales dollars of the "young/urban/hip/drinking" demographic.

Posted By: MsSteak (22/01/2008 5:17:44 PM)
Comment: I for one will be trying out their lunch menu on Thursday! I will let you know ALL about it. BTW ... My dinner there was wonderful!

Posted By: johng (22/01/2008 5:16:20 PM)
Comment: Reading my comment it seems a bit more critical than I meant it to be. To be clear, it was our bad for not alerting the staff to the issue with the NY. They can't fix it if they don't know about it.

Posted By: johng (22/01/2008 3:56:57 PM)
Comment: We ate there last Saturday and were mostly impressed. Yeah, it's expensive but not so much by Napa Valley or SF standards, and why shouldn't a major tourist destination and a city of 150k be able support such a joint? Answer - we should, and if we can it will make us seem like less of a restaurant backwater compared to our neighbors. . We had a drink in the bar, then dinner in the main room, and thought they did an incredible job doing up the place - it's as swank, sexy, comfy, and classy a room as you'll find in SF, Chicago, or NY. Terri has great taste. One jarring quibble, the wood floor in the dining room is floating, not plank, so you can feel the floor rattle every time a server walks by. . Food was a B. At these prices you need to be A or A+. Sides were great. Veal Ravioli with sweetbreads app was outstanding. Dessert was good. My fillet mignon was spectacular. But my wife's NY, ordered MR came out MW - I didn't know that until we switched plates halfway though. I'm still rahter P.O.'d at her for not sending it back cause as much as I hate to send stuff back at that price you got to get it right every time. Still the green peppercorn sauce was awfully good, as was the truffle aioli we had on the fillet. . Service was good, if a touch behind. Nice people though, and competent. Terri was working the room well, but I noticed that a manager or two on duty were the kind who can walk by a row of tables without looking to see if all is well. Good managers are checking each table each time they go by.

Posted By: Wojamo (22/01/2008 3:48:10 PM)
Comment: I'm with Heather on this one. To suggest that she favors "high-end" restaurants is unfair. I have discovered many GREAT "bargain" restaurants thanks to her scouting. Sure, this one is on the pricey side and, frankly, out of my range. But, for every "Stark's" she covers at least 3 "Mel's", "Lee's" or "Las Palmas". Relax, guy.

Posted By: Jim and Carol (22/01/2008 1:51:06 PM)
Comment: Not certain my first response was sent, so it's important enough for me to send again: hang-in there STARK'S! If the price point/value relationship escapes the metrosexual/contemporary-yuppies, no probelm: there are many choices for that demo and I suspect there are enough of us to maintain this bastion of beoff. It takes courage and vision to buck the "one perfect carrot" trend and the absence of just your style and quality has been felt. I'm very tired of driving to the City to find a great steak and the cost savings of having this in my own backyard will just make me come by more often. Sorry all, but Saddles isn't it, and the Western Boot and Cattlemans serve their demo well...Carol's ribeye was perfection, by son's Kobe was pricey, but a great experience for him and my daughters dry-aged ribeye was exception. Sure, we're there the 4th nite and there's room to improve; but based on Willie's and Moty's: you will! Cole's and Ruth's Cris will not be seeing as much of us: thanks for helping us conserve fuel!!! See you again within three week (off to Maui!)

Posted By: Terri Stark (22/01/2008 12:15:30 PM)
Comment: Just a quick note to thank everyone that has been so supportive during our opening of Stark's Steakhouse. We are continuing to work really hard to provide a quality steakhouse in such a great historic building and fantastic neighborhood! Thanks to all of the people that have made it out during our first week, we are quickly getting our stride and hope to see you all back!

Posted By: Jim Caudill (22/01/2008 11:38:06 AM)
Comment: There's nothing wrong with a good expense account restaurant in town, and outside Saddles, there hasn't been a good steakhouse on this side of the Mayacamas. Expensive, not really, if you've eaten at other steak spots like Mortons, Ruth's Chris etc. I'll be a regular, and when I've visited, it's been packed and I would think it would stay that way. I'll do my part.

Posted By: Who Wrote This? (22/01/2008 10:40:12 AM)
Comment: "Yes, I DO realize I've talked this one to death." Heather, does that quote sound familiar? I'm up for good banter, but I think ur a bit out of line writin that quote and then jumpin down my throat.

Posted By: Heather Irwin (22/01/2008 10:19:13 AM)
Comment: Ajgizliar, you're such a grouch. Why not stroll through some of the HUNDREDS of other posts I've done in the last year and a half. Sheesh.

Posted By: Lower Your Prices (22/01/2008 10:13:33 AM)
Comment: I'd love to see Stark's make it, but I'm telling you, especially in this economy, they are way overpriced. And Heather, how about giving some free publicity to a different local eatery next time instead of pumping Stark's, again.

Posted By: Wojamo (22/01/2008 9:46:08 AM)
Comment: That's a bummer (about the prices.) Seems like Stark's is out of this "Young Urban" (if I do say so myself!) person's price range. I thought that was their "target audience"? Who are these supposed young urban folks going out for $200 dinners? *sigh*

Posted By: Hazy_Fon (22/01/2008 9:43:16 AM)
Comment: Overpriced. Unimpressed.

Posted By: My Group (22/01/2008 9:00:28 AM)
Comment: of six paid over $400. Four steaks, two appetizers, two bottles of wine. We are not cheapskates and love dining out, but will not be back unless the prices are adjusted.

Posted By: In a word (22/01/2008 8:54:46 AM)
Comment: Stark's is: Overpriced.

Posted By: Susan (21/01/2008 9:59:07 PM)
Comment: You forgot to mention that the sauces for the pricey steaks also have a price. Our Kobe flank steak was filled with gristle. One filet was well done instead of medium rare, and there was an extra charge for a strained martini - unheard of?? Overpriced and just so-so to me.

Posted By: Michelle (21/01/2008 9:04:52 PM)
Comment: OKAY OKAY OKAY already.... we know it's open!!!!

Response: Yes, I DO realize I've talked about this one to death. Please understand, however, that there are a lot of folks out there who haven't seen the previous coverage. I also felt the need to do a more in-depth piece on the spot after eating there--mostly for diners who will be searching for info on the steakhouse in coming months. I promise to shut up about it for a while now.

Posted By: Wojamo (21/01/2008 2:26:11 PM)
Comment: Hahaha!! Heather, you read my mind! I was just asking about this in the first Stark's entry. Looking forward to other folks' feedback, too.