If the shark has indeed jumped on retro-chic steak joints, nobody told Santa Rosa. Mark and Terri Stark’s Railroad Square steakhouse is The Place to pony-up top dollar for organic, dry aged, corn and grass-fed cuts of beef hand-picked by the city’s favorite chef.
You’ll get the Bogie-and-Bacall vibe right away. Manhattans, aged whiskies and absinthe are served by white-coated bar staff. The seats are leather. Wedge salad and creamed spinach are side staples. A baby grand sits in the corner waiting to tinkle out a tune or two.
Housed in the former Michele’s restaurant, the couple (who also own the highly-rated Willi’s Wine Bar and Willi’s Seafood in Healdsburg) gutted the historic spot, pretty much starting from scratch. It’s still a massive space, divided between white-tablecloth restaurant service and a happy-hour friendly bistro/lounge with frequent live music.
Steaks are what you’re here for. Don’t be shy if you don’t know the difference between filet mignon, ribeye, New York Strip, grass-fed or corn-fed. Staff are happy to explain the cuts and preparation. Guild the lily with a topper of foie gras, roasted bone marrow or a blue cheese butterball along with a side of Béarnaise, Boursin cheese or truffle aioli. (We won’t tell.)
Trying to keep things fresh (and affordable), Mark recently expanded the menu to keep locals amused with a daily three-course “West End Menu” featuring fried chicken on Sunday, shortribs on Friday, meatloaf on Monday…and so on. The restaurant also has some amazing happy hour deals during the week.
Don’t miss the sides — a Stark staple — in your hurry to order. Creamed spinach, truffled fries and mac & cheese are more than just add-ons. They’re a requirement.
A steak dinner will put you back a couple Benjamins, easily. But what’s it worth to be whisked back to a time when red meat, butter and whiskey were practically health food? A time when bartenders dressed in white coats. And going out for dinner was an event, not an excuse.
Stark’s Steakhouse, 521 Adams St., Santa Rosa, 707.546.5100. Weekday lunches , 11:30am to 2:30 pm; dinner Sunday through Thursday from 5pm to 9pm and Friday and Saturday dinners until 10pm.
