Food+Drink

It's Prime (Rib) Time

new Menomonie eatery tackles the meaty issues

Adam Rockwell, photos by Jesse Johnson |

 
The aforementioned "Smokin’ Good Steak."

The new Sparx Restaurant in Menomonie would be best described as supper club meets sports bar. The faintly familiar décor (Sparx is located in the recently turned-over Green Mill off of I-94) is open and casual.With some of the best food I’ve tasted in Menomonie (which is known for some great restaurants), their slogan “Incredible Burgers & Smokin’ Good Steaks” more than lives up to the description.

Missy Schultz, the dining room manager, was extremely excited about the warm reception they received from the crowd on opening weekend (Sept. 18-20). “We heard comments like ‘The Prime Rib is amazing!’ and ‘Finally, we have a place like this in town!’ ”

The selection is surprisingly large, with a focus on local foods and beer. Add a little of their zesty homemade sauces and you won’t mind having to pop a Pepcid afterward.

The burgers are huge. Try one of their signature dishes or opt for their Build-Your-Own Burger option – either way you won’t be disappointed. Made with all-natural Black Angus Beef, you can really taste the quality.

For the steaks, Sparx offers a unique option in the Chippewa Valley – if you don’t see the size you want, they will cut it to order. I tried the Smoked Sea Salt Prime Rib. Served with au jus and horseradish cream, they nailed it! Even better, the entire meal was extremely affordable, especially considering the quality (entrées range from $5 to $25). For the meat and potatoes crowd, Sparx gives you a new, soon-to-be-favorite destination dinner joint.

    Sparx Restaurant is located at 1827 N Broadway St., Menomonie. For more information, visit SparxRestaurant.com.