Wagyu is one of the most misused words in the restaurant industry. At Sparrow in Kirkland, when we say Wagyu, we mean one thing: Imperial American Wagyu Beef, raised from authentic Japanese bloodlines and graded on a system built around the Japanese Beef Marbling Standard, the most rigorous in the world. It is the centerpiece of our steak and brunch menus, and one of the reasons guests across the Seattle Eastside call Sparrow a destination for Wagyu beef near Kirkland, Bellevue, and Redmond.
Japanese Bloodlines, American Craftsmanship
American Wagyu is the result of a carefully cultivated crossbreeding program that pairs the legendary marbling of Japanese Wagyu cattle with the hardy characteristics of premium American Angus. The result is beef with exceptional tenderness, deep flavor, and a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth quality that ordinary steak simply cannot reach. Imperial maintains tight control over genetics so that every animal inherits the ideal balance of Wagyu marbling and American beef robustness.
Raised to a Higher Standard
Imperial partners with American family ranchers who raise cattle on lush pastures and finish them on a grain-based, 100% vegetarian diet for a minimum of 400 days. That slow growth is the secret to the marbling: fat develops gradually and evenly throughout the muscle. The cattle never receive added growth hormones, are fed no animal proteins or by-products, and are raised under humane handling standards. Imperial’s commitment to responsible ranching has even been recognized by the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef.
Imperial’s Four-Tier Grading System
Because consistency is everything, Imperial grades its beef in-house against the Japanese Beef Marbling Standards (BMS) scale, which runs from 1 to 12. Their four tiers are:
- Market: comparable to USDA Choice, around a 4 on the Japanese BMS scale.
- Classic: comparable to USDA Prime, a 5, 6, or 7 on the scale.
- Signature: a “very abundant” marbling score, an 8 or 9 on the scale.
- Reserve: the highest grade Imperial sells, an “extremely abundant” score of 10 or higher.
For context, USDA Prime, the top grade most upscale American steakhouses ever serve, corresponds to only a 5 to 6. The Wagyu at Sparrow is Imperial’s Signature grade, a marbling score of 8 or 9 on the Japanese scale: a level of even, lacy intramuscular fat that melts on contact and delivers a tenderness no conventional beef can match, no matter how skilled the chef or how hot the grill.
How Sparrow Serves It
You will find this beef across our dinner menu in cuts ranging from a 4 oz Petite Filet to a 16 oz Rib Eye, with a Manhattan, Filet Mignon, and New York Strip in between, each cooked over a charbroil and finished with house-made demi-glace and chimichurri. At weekend brunch it stars in our signature Wagyu Burger and Wagyu steak and eggs, marbled to a level most kitchens reserve only for their finest steaks.
“A marbling score of 8 or 9 under Japanese beef standards places our beef among the rarest, most marbled levels achievable, well beyond USDA Prime.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is American Wagyu beef?
American Wagyu is beef produced by crossbreeding Japanese Wagyu cattle, prized for intense marbling, with high-quality American Angus. The word “Wagyu” is Japanese for “Japanese cow.” The result is a steak known for its buttery texture and rich flavor.
Does Sparrow serve real Wagyu beef?
Yes. Sparrow serves Imperial American Wagyu Beef from authentic Japanese bloodlines, graded to Imperial’s Signature tier. We offer multiple cuts at dinner and feature it at brunch in our Wagyu Burger and steak and eggs.
How is Imperial American Wagyu graded?
Imperial grades its beef in-house on the Japanese Beef Marbling Standards scale across four tiers: Market, Classic, Signature, and Reserve. Sparrow serves the Signature grade, a marbling score of 8 or 9, which sits well above USDA Prime.
Is the Wagyu at Sparrow raised with hormones or antibiotics?
Imperial cattle never receive added growth hormones and are fed a 100% vegetarian diet with no animal by-products. Antibiotics are never used for growth and are only ever administered under veterinary oversight to treat illness.
Where can I eat Wagyu beef near Bellevue or Redmond?
Sparrow is located at 9736 NE 120th Pl in Kirkland, about 10 minutes from both downtown Bellevue and Redmond, making it one of the most convenient places on the Seattle Eastside to enjoy genuine American Wagyu.
Imperial American Wagyu Beef is part of the JBS family of premium proteins. Explore their cuts, recipes, and cooking guides at imperialwagyubeef.com.
Imperial American Wagyu is one of many producers we are proud to work with. See all of Sparrow’s supply partners → or reserve your table in Kirkland →