About
Welcome to Bern's Steak House, a celebrated gem located in the heart of Tampa, Florida. Renowned for its exquisite dining experience, Bern's isn't just a steakhouse; it's a culinary institution that has earned its place among the elite in fine dining. Nestled at 1208 S Howard Ave, this establishment embodies the essence of American steak cuisine, where quality meets opulence.
From the moment you step in, the ambiance envelops you in warmth and sophistication. Patrons have described their visits as more than just meals, but immersive experiences that engage all the senses. The decor reflects an old-world charm that is both inviting and elegant, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening. The acclaimed service at Bern's is nothing short of exceptional, with attentive staff dedicated to ensuring that every aspect of the dining experience is impeccable.
The menu highlights include expertly trimmed steaks, such as the renowned Delmonico, which melts in your mouth and is packed with rich flavors. Each steak comes paired with delightful components: a choice of soup (including their famed onion soup), a crisp salad, a baked potato, and a seasonal vegetable. This thoughtful presentation elevates the meal to new heights, making it a feast for both the eyes and palate.
But the experience doesn't end with the main course. The opportunity to tour the stunning wine cellar and kitchen adds a unique touch that few restaurants offer. Guests can discover the meticulous attention to detail that goes into every dish, making it a truly educational experience. The dessert room is another highlight, featuring a romantic atmosphere that complements the luxurious dining theme. It’s perfect for indulging in delightful sweets, crafted to perfection, leaving diners with sweet memories long after their visit.
As customer reviews suggest, many diners make the trip to Bern’s for special occasions, and it’s clear why they return. The ambiance, food quality, and exceptional service combine to create a truly special experience. While reservations can be tough to snag due to its popularity, those who do venture in are rewarded with memories that are worth the wait.
In essence, a visit to Bern's Steak House is not just about savoring great food. It is about creating a memorable experience, discovering the nuances of fine dining, and indulging in culinary excellence that is truly unparalleled. If you find yourself in Tampa, this iconic steakhouse should be at the top of your list.
“ Great food, great service, and the experience is like nothing else. If you get a steak, it comes with their onion soup, salad if your choice, baked potato, and vegetable of the day. Afterwards you can tour their winery and kitchen before they take you to the dessert room. The only negative thing I would say is that you have to reserve months in advance for the dining experience but I suppose that’s how great the food is! The prices are up there but the food is amazing. It’s not something we do all the time, typically for occasions every few years. I would highly recommend if you have never been. ”
“ Amazing dining experience. Delmonico steak was melt in your mouth tender and so flavorful. Excellent wine selection and service, if you haven’t done the tour it’s a must. The dessert room is a great addition as well and has a romantic vibe to it. ”
“ This was our first time here. We were celebrating our 4 year anniversary and it was absolutely amazing. The ambiance was really cool from the second we walked in. We were seated immediately in the lounge and Will took amazing care of us. We then did a tour of the kitchen and wine cellar where Bree and Iman did a very thorough job of explaining everything. We finished off in the dessert room where Emily was amazing and fun to talk to. We only had cocktails and a couple apps and then the dessert room, but everything we ate was phenomenal and we will definitely be back in the near future for a full dinner!!! ”
“ An old school steakhouse that is much more than dinner, it’s an experience. From the decor, the service, the food and the surprises we had an amazing night. We loved all the inclusions with dinner: soup, salad, baked potato, delicious crispy onion rings and green beans. All reasonably priced for the excellent quality. The kitchen and wine cellar tour were so interesting. I won’t ruin the surprise for dessert but we were blown away! Well worth the hour drive from Sarasota, will be back many more times. ”
“ Amazing steak house experience! Expertly trimmed steaks accompanied by home made sauces that are to die for! The service is top notch, Tracey took marvelous care of our table. Great recommendations and a terrific sense of humor. The kitchen and cellar tours were fascinating! Can't wait for the next time! ”
“ It’s been nearly 18 years since we last visited Bern’s Steak House, celebrating our 10th anniversary. This time, we returned to Tampa with close friends to mark a major milestone—receiving our graduate degrees—and Bern’s was the perfect place to celebrate. Remarkably, it was just as good, if not better, than we remembered. From start to finish, the experience spanned over 3.5 hours and included time in the main dining room, the fascinating kitchen and wine cellar tour, and a relaxing finish in the Harry Waugh Dessert Room. I had the 14oz Delmonico, my wife enjoyed the filet mignon, and our friends split a Chateaubriand. Every cut was cooked to perfection. The French onion soup? Absolutely lives up to its legendary status. The only slight downside was our server, who seemed to be moving at a fast clip—something that might feel more hurried than hospitable to some. Still, the staff overall was knowledgeable and attentive, and it didn’t take away from the evening. If you’re in Tampa, Bern’s is a must-visit. It’s a high-end experience with a price tag to match, but one that delivers memorable moments, impeccable food, and a sense of occasion that’s hard to match. ”
“ 10/10 service, food, ambiance! This is a level of customer service worth paying for. Loved every minute of dinner night! The first place in a long time I haven’t felt rushed by the waiter. From the wine cellar to the dessert room and the amazing servers, what an amazing experience! Truly impressed by the arduous work and training that goes behind working at Bern’s. Definitely coming back for special occasions with my family! The potato chips are a must! The tartare was good and the French onion soup is truly the best. PS. Loved “calling” the pianist to request a song. ”
“ From the moment we arrived at Bern’s Steak House, the service was impressive. We were greeted at the door and seated within five minutes of checking in for our reservation. We started with the French onion soup, which was rich, hearty, and packed with flavor, definitely a great way to kick off the meal. For the main course, we shared the 21oz porterhouse steak, which was cooked perfectly and full of flavor. The truffle mac and cheese was creamy and indulgent, a definite favorite. We also tried the Caesar salad with a 1 upgrade, but unfortunately, it didn’t live up to the rest of the meal. It lacked the bold, tangy flavor you expect from a classic Caesar. The baked potato was simple and good, but nothing out of the ordinary. After dinner, we made our way to the famous dessert room, and it was stunning. The ambiance was cozy and soulful, creating the perfect setting to end the evening. We ordered the cookie butter cheesecake, banana cheese pie, trilogy of classics, and the King Midas. All were fantastic except for the King Midas, the carrot cake was a bit dense and dry. But the macadamia nut ice cream was absolutely incredible and a must-try! Overall, it was a great experience with a few minor misses, but the atmosphere, service, and standout dishes make Bern’s a place I’d definitely recommend for a special night out. ”