Bern's Steak House
(813) 251-2421
1208 S Howard Ave
Tampa,
FL
33606
27.9314
-82.4829
Neighborhoods: Southwest, Historic Hyde Park North
What People Are Saying About Bern's Steak House
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
Luminaries from out of town automatically visit Bern's when they arrive in the Tampa Bay area. Limos jam the homely front parking lot and well-dressed diners crowd the foyer. For decades, the steakhouse has maintained its reputation for almost fanatically perfect food and service.
The Food
Start with one of the 24 varieties of caviar. Move onto vichysoisse, a creamy soup served chilled, accompanied by garlic toast and crackling homemade potato chips. The chateaubriand is delectable. Choose anything from a petite, seven-ouncer all the way to a belly-busting 48-ounce monster. It arrives sizzling, crisp on the outside, juicy and tender inside, crowned with garlic butter and ringed with bright vegetables. Save room for the chocolate, chocolate, chocolate cake or the bananas foster for dessert.
User Reviews
dbw1
May 28, 2009
I was told to take a visiting European friend to this restaurant because the food was superb. However, little did I know what I was in for when I arrived. Decor is highly outdated, restaurant was loud and packed- not not you expect for a romantic night out. The chairs were cushioned wrought iron. We ordered 2 glasses of $20/glass champagne at the bar while we waited 20 mins past our reservation time. Then at the table my date ordered a second glass of champagne that arrived flat! When it was replaced the same thing occured. Then we ordered a $200 bottle of red that had half of the label missing so we settled on another with the sommelier. The steaks were great, but after taking a $60 cab ride to receive flat champagne in a loud "cafeteria" feeling atmosphere I would not return. However, feel free to go with kids/groups. That seems to be the majority of the patrons. Bern's needs to visit other restaurants and look at remodeling urgently.
read full review
44447
March 03, 2009
It is a sad place to be sitting in, shabby decor, tired and stained red wallpaper, plastic miniature busts that were either purchased at Liberace?s estate sale or reclaimed from Ceasar?s Palace when they renovated the washrooms in 1971, with dark lighting to hide the decay and attitude to match. While most world-class restaurants have used the gifts of the Internet to see what world-class looks like, Bern?s has used it to create a larger than life web-facade. Curiously, among the many web-pages touting it, there are no pictures of the place itself, not a one. Here's why - Apart from a film crew scouting locations for a low-budget direct to television yawner about a depressed alcoholic gambler, it has no appeal inside or out. I went with a group of 16 we're not rich, just professionals of decent means able to spring for a top meal as part of the trip. Lured in by the Internet presence, we planned a visit to Bern?s. Note to Bern?s #1 - World-class dining is not about waiting on a reservation you?ve already paid for. It is, a sad predictable strategy for squeezing groups out of an extra couple hundred ?while you wait? dollars in the bar. Note to Bern?s #2 ? stop with the "Bern's experience" rap. It?s extremely tired and insincere We had a few easy questions that any world-class wait staff could answer in their sleep. Not these guys. As an example ? ?can I get pasta with my entree?? to which the waiter reply was ?we do not have any pasta?. (Note to waiter ? Page 7 under ?Pastas and Grains? is a good place to start, and on our evening, Mushroom Ragout was a special). World-class expectation vanishing quickly? Note to Bern?s #3 ? Every world-class restaurant serves bread, whether with compliments or on the menu. At world class prices, if they don?t have it, they?ll get it. Bringing Melba toast to the table was insulting and idiotic in no particular order. don't go here, save your money, Elvis has not left the building. Shameful stuff
read full review
pae420316
February 22, 2009
Highly recommend the delmonico with crab meat. $100 for wife and I and that was without drinks but well worth it. Awesome experience. Will take 3 hours so go early and go hungry.
read full reviewThe Details on Bern's Steak House
Look Good:
Wear something chic; it's a formal crowd.
What to Drink:
The wine cellars bulge with close to 500,000 bottles, among them: 6,800 table wines and 1,000 dessert wines. Waitstaff can guide you to the perfect accompaniment to your meal.
Parking:
Lots are located a hike away, so save your feet and use the valet for $4.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Family-Friendly Dining, Romantic Dining, Special Occasion Dining, Private Rooms, Group Dining, Bar Scene, Notable Wine List
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
Yes
