Based on the mixed reviews I've read about Stark's, I have to admit that I was a little skeptical about dining there. Various reviews on both food and service ranged from expection to mediocre.
The service we received was excellent, both from the waitstaff and the wine staff. The ambience was warm and inviting. Overall, the portion sizes were generous and we certainly ended the meal with appetites fully satisfied. BUT....
My principal beef with Stark's was the beef ! Both of our steaks (different cuts) were ordered medium rare and arrived very rare. We should have sent them back, but I know from experience this does not usually go over well with the kitchen staff, often results in a delay in the meal and the meat comes back to the table overdone.
My date ordered a filet mignon, which, for $36, should have been "like buttah", but she struggled to cut it with a steak knife! My New York strip first appeared to be a very generous cut of meat, but fully half of it turned out to be inedible gristle and fat. These steaks were nowhere close to the quality I have enjoyed at far lesser restaurants for half the price. If you are going to "stake" your reputation on steak, then every single piece of meat that comes out of that kitchen should be sublime!
Like many other reviewers, I overwhelmingly agree that both the food and the wine are horrendously overpriced. If someday they should choose to include a side dish or two (and sauces) with the main course, I would consider going back, but until then I'm "well done" with the place.
