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Sparks Steak House

Description

Sparks Steak House in Midtown Manhattan is renowned not just for its fine steaks and extensive wine list but also for its infamous history.

Opened, 1966

Founded by brothers Pasquale and Michael Ceta, Sparks remains a popular destination for both its culinary excellence and its place in New York's mob lore.

Moved, 1977

To its current Midtown Manhattan location

Factoids

Dec 16, 1985-Gambino crime boss Paul Castellano and his bodyguard Thomas Bilotti were gunned down by by four assassins dressed in white trench coats and Russian fur hats in broad daylight while entering the restaurant on orders from John Gotti, an event that cemented Gotti's rise to power in the mob world by taking over the Gambino operation.Sammy “the Bull” Gravano and his boss John Gotti drove by Sparks in a car with tinted windows to make sure the victims were dead. The murders gained widespread media attention due to graphic photos of the victims, captured moments later by a news photographer who was nearby.

-The place became a literal mob scene the day after Paul Castellano’s death, as associates and members of the Gambino crime family came to pay homage to the new leader.