Bern's Steak House

813-251-2421
1208 S Howard Ave
Tampa, FL 33606
Bern's Steak House - Homestead Business Directory

Business Information

Restaurants
Notable Wine List
MONDAY:5:00PM-10:00PM
TUESDAY:5:00PM-10:00PM
WEDNESDAY:5:00PM-10:00PM
THURSDAY:5:00PM-10:00PM
FRIDAY:5:00PM-11:00PM
SATURDAY:5:00PM-11:00PM
SUNDAY:5:00PM-10:00PM

Top Sentiments among Bern's Steak House Reviewers

Favorite time steak Great desserts Tasty whole meal Good vanilla macademia salad dressing Good french onion soup Recommend Macademia Nut ice cream Tasty baked carrot dish Huge salt water fish Delicious mac and cheese Excellent glass menu

Customer Reviews (172 reviews)

Wes351

on Citysearch Oct 04, 2009
It was a very special Event. Kern, I waiter asked me how I wanted my steak, It was the delmonico. I told him medium. He states, can I suggest rare, stated no. If you bring it medium, I will have no problem. Kern brought out... (more)

Guest G.

on Judys Book Sep 03, 2009
How peculiar that two one star reviews are made on the same day by two 'different' reviewers. These same reviewers found Pomodor, 400 miles away in Ga to be so delightful. Could it be they are the same individual? Does... (more)

Guest G.

on Judys Book Jul 30, 2009
4 men & 1 woman go to Bern's. None of them order steak that evening. Every one of them leaves raving that it's STILL the best meal they've ever had at any restaurant in their lives. Pricey only in comparison to most of the... (more)

FoodLover314

on Citysearch Jul 07, 2009
My wife and I decided that we would celebrate our 10th anniversary at Bern's Steakhouse last week because we've heard so many good things about it and thought we'd give it a try. The place wasn't much to look at from the... (more)

BeansNPork

on Citysearch Jul 05, 2009
Took my Wife for the first time on her Birthday and she enjoyed it! I called ahead and spoke to Harry Waugh Room and they baked a cake to order for my wife. They were very pleasant and I was impressed. It was my first time... (more)

dbw1

on Citysearch May 27, 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 Decor is highly outdated, restaurant was loud and packed- not not... (more)

PATTI S.

on Judys Book Apr 18, 2009
Soup, salad, entree and sides. It's all there. I hate ala carte places. Just put it out there and charge me one price. Go Berns! The food is the BEST I've ever had. The steaks melt in your mouth, the soup richness of the... (more)

44447

on Citysearch Mar 02, 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... (more)

pae420316

on Citysearch Feb 21, 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.... (more)

George R.

on Judys Book Feb 02, 2009
This is a Tampa tradition. There are no spicey rubs on these steaks. The variety is almost limitless. The wait staff never changes. Regulars request their favorite waiter. Jackets are not required, but only... (more)

Citysearch User

on Citysearch Jan 31, 2009
This is some steak house. I can honestly say, I ate my best steak at Bern's. The atmosphere is a bit wacky, but the food outstanding. They even let you tour the kitchen with all the different fish tanks, explain to you... (more)

Citysearch User

on Citysearch Nov 29, 2008
My husband is a meateater and I am a vegetarian. How have we lasted for 42 years is beyond me. He ate at Bern's years ago when he and his nephews went ot Florida to watch spring training. He hasn't stopped talking about... (more)

tblair101103

on Citysearch Oct 26, 2008
My husband and I traveled to Tampa to celebrate our 5th Anniversary and Bern's Steakhouse was recommended to me by a friend. It was absolutely the BEST dining experience we have ever had. The wine was wonderful as was... (more)

kimble89

on Citysearch Jul 16, 2008
Early this week I had a family reunion. I had guest in from France, Italy, and some from Russia. My family tends to be a bit picky about thier meals and since this happens only once a year (and this year its in my town) I... (more)

nachoanc

on Citysearch Jun 29, 2008
The desserts here are amazing and there are so many to choose from. The atmosphere is amazing. Perfect for a romantic evening. Would recommend to everyone (more)

nachoanc

on Citysearch Jun 29, 2008
I absolutely loved every minute of it. This is not just a good place to eat, but is an overall amazing dining experience. The service was amazing. We had more than one server for our table. We were never out of anything.... (more)

Citysearch User

on Citysearch May 14, 2008
love the fact that your meat comes with everything: great french onion soup, salad, onion rings, a loaded baked potato, and seasonal veggies (we had carrots with almonds and collard greens, which were delicious).... (more)

onemanfunplan

on Citysearch Apr 10, 2008
I went to Bern's expecting a pleasant dining experience. I was very disappointed to find that the steak which I ordered as rare to medium rare arrived to me well done. Furthermore, I had a female waitress that took the... (more)

Foodie916

on Citysearch Mar 16, 2008
Was staying in Tampa a few extra days after a wedding and decided we were in the mood for a good steak. Being from large Metropolitan areas we decided to consult the internet seeing large chain names we were accustomed... (more)

heatherrb

on Citysearch Jan 03, 2008
As a Tampa resident, I have dined at all the major steakhouses and while I have had excellent steak at many of them none have the value that comes with eating at Bern's. I usually order the filet, either rare or medium... (more)

mpgulizio

on Citysearch Jan 02, 2008
I have heard from many people how great this place was. I ordered the delmonico steak which was completely TASTELESS, save for the few pieces of charred fat left on the ends. The service was mediocre and the atmosphere... (more)

jpf1952

on Citysearch Nov 10, 2007
Ok-I travel around the country, and when I tell people I live in Tampa and we speak restaurants they ask about Berns. It has a national name. I was just there , I usually go 5 times a year, and it was once again outstanding.... (more)

janehoward2323

on Citysearch Nov 04, 2007
TODAY THE GREAT JEANNIE PIEROLA HAS BEEN FIRED!!!!!!!!!! DETAILS TO COME !!! WHAT A GREAT EXECUTIVE CHOICE !!!! HAIL TO THE OWNER >> (more)

mondo3000

on Citysearch Oct 10, 2007
WE HAD A COMPANY DINNER ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO AND THE FOOD WAS OUTSTANDING!!! THE ONLY THING BETTER THAN MY STEAK WAS MY SERVER, JESSE. EXTREMELY PROFICIENT IN THE ART OF SERVICE, VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE IN FOOD AND WINE... HE... (more)

piggy246810

on Citysearch Aug 13, 2007
Bern's used to be the best steakhouse in Tampa. But, in recent years, with the addition of so many other good restaurants in Tampa, it has slipped a little. The ambiance is still great and the dessert room is unmatched,... (more)

blpesho

on Citysearch Jul 20, 2007
Berns has a long, well earned, much respected, reputation throughout the Tampa Bay area as being the "best of the best" of all steakhouses in town. The food is fantastic. The service is unmatched anywhere and the... (more)

superstar104

on Citysearch Jun 24, 2007
I've been to Berns a couple of times all of which my family visited just for dessert. We've never actually eaten dinner there, just dessert and their dessert is fabulous. They have very unique and delicious dessert... (more)

suebee12

on Citysearch Jun 10, 2007
We had heard about Bern's from friends who really loved it. It turns out they were right! We celebrated my husbands birthday and it was a wonderful celebration. Our waiter, Steve, was always there when we needed him... (more)

kimmynparadise

on Citysearch Apr 25, 2007
We've lived in Tampa Bay for 20 years and have visited Bern's a dozen times over that span. The one thing that always impresses us is the atmosphere. We're always greeted with a smile and pleasant words. Of course,... (more)

anony88

on Citysearch Apr 22, 2007
The food is great. The service is top-notch. They give you a lot of food with your steak. Taking that into consideration, the prices are very reasonable. Check out their menu online before you go b/c they have a lot of... (more)

david321_99

on Citysearch Apr 14, 2007
The atmosphere was nice, I felt the waitor was attentive and did help us pick out a very nice bottle of wine, but I felt the food (Tuna tar tar & scallops) was just ok. I felt for the price they should of melted in my mouth. I... (more)

smith_m

on Citysearch Mar 31, 2007
Very overrated restaurant! Very dark, dated decor with low ceilings which makes it very noisy. Have had better steaks elsewhere. The desert room is unique and the only good feature.... (more)

martibrahen

on Citysearch Nov 14, 2006
We are new to the area and my husband wanted to take me someplace special for my birthday. I read EVERYWHERE about how great this place was. The atmosphere is great but the food is nothing special. For the price it should... (more)

cruelsummer28

on Citysearch Nov 12, 2006
bern's is very expensive but if you can afford it, then i would highly reccomend it. they have seasonal items and an expansive wine list. very upper class. (more)

twm01

on Citysearch Nov 09, 2006
The ultimate for the steak lover and oenophile. Largest wine list in the world, and lots of little touches that make it special - coffe beans ground on premises, all breads made there as well, all desserts done there,... (more)

melisser78

on Citysearch Oct 31, 2006
The Bern's dessert room has a mind-boggling array of choices for both desserts and after dinner drinks. However, one stands above all, the banana's foster. Anyone not familiar with the preparation of this... (more)

shmokey

on Citysearch Oct 27, 2006
Bern's does it right from the begining. Since they control the quality of product from the start they can ensure its quality to the table. The establishment has history and originality that provides another facet to... (more)

kies

on Citysearch Aug 25, 2006
Went to have dinner to celebrate our 30 th wedding anniversary- first time visit - everyone said this was the place to be. The steak was good - not the best I have ever had and what serving bad carrots for the veggies is a... (more)

vandygator2001

on Citysearch Aug 23, 2006
Best special occasion restaurant anywhere. Tour of the kitchen, wine cellar and dessert room are a must. (more)

jyunag

on Citysearch Aug 10, 2006
People who write reviews trashing Berns dont understand that this isnt a trendy "hotspot" for self indulging yuppies who only care about decor and the speed that their apple martini is delivered. Berns is classic... (more)

Mari V.

on Judys Book Jul 17, 2006
Berns is where my husband and I go for special occasions. It is pricey, but worth every penny! Service is outstanding, and I happen to love the atmosphere because it's so different than a regular ol'... (more)

expertsteve

on Citysearch May 03, 2006
The best tasting steak I've had. Bern's ages their steaks to perfection. In contrast to the bland exterior, the interior decor seems a little gaudy to me but adds to the specialness of the whole event. There's a... (more)

Citysearch User

on Citysearch Apr 24, 2006
Berns Steakhouse does everything superbly. The menu is excellent. The meal includes everything, rather than having to deal with or pay for a la carte items. The service is impeccable. The waiters go through... (more)

Claudette H.

on Judys Book Mar 19, 2006
Bern's is truely known as a Tampa landmark and for good reason. The food is always 5 star and truely melt in your mouth quality. To truely understand Bern's I would definately request the kitchen tour. Once you... (more)

Contributor

on Citysearch Mar 05, 2006
<b>The Scene</b><br>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... (more)

dustin099

on Citysearch Feb 18, 2006
The steak is amazing all cooked to order and aged, they are 1 of 5 restuarnts in america that still use a classic ageing procces for all of there meat and they age it to perfection (longer than any other anyone else) they... (more)

mickster019

on Citysearch Jan 17, 2006
I go to Berns once a year when im down in Tampa. I've read many of the reviews for this and im amazed at what some people say. Yes you do need a reservation to get into this place, you do need to dress up, shorts or t-shirts are... (more)

donbar

on Citysearch Jan 17, 2006
For years our special date place was Bern's. What a disappointment we had these last few visits! The service was terrible, but worst was all was the food. I don't know if the new owner has become inattentive or if they... (more)

ottclan

on Citysearch Jan 17, 2006
The best stake you'll ever have, order it by the ounce (not your standard 6, 8, 12) or if you surf is your choice, order your lobster by the 1/2 lb, go to the fish tanks and pick out the fillet you want while it's still... (more)

Little K.

on Judys Book Dec 11, 2005
I've been told by a very good friend for years that if you're willing to travel for the best steak around, then head towards Atlanta and hit Bone's. Now, I have to say that I disagree. Sure, it is a great restaurant, but if... (more)

njeddie

on Citysearch Oct 25, 2005
This is what a fine dining experience should be. Perfect steaks, personnel service that's doting, but inobtrusive; the largest wine list of any restaurant in the world (can it be?); if their Hazelnut Ice Cream... (more)

bjedifish

on Citysearch Oct 25, 2005
Berns was really an experience, i cant wait to go back! the Dessert room is incredible! Go to this resturant! (more)

jennyfur

on Citysearch Oct 09, 2005
The food was exquisite and the wine selection was more than impressive. I had an 8oz rib eye, oh my goodness, the best steak I've ever had. And an 8oz steak was an "8oz steak" b/c they trim the fat off before grilling so you... (more)

nprdiner

on Citysearch Sep 30, 2005
Bern's is a fabulous experience once you're in the doors. The service is impeccable, the food is fabulous, and the drink options are expansive enough to meat most tastes. My German wheat beer was a perfect complement... (more)

rpkklein

on Citysearch Sep 08, 2005
i find everything but the service to be of the highest quality. the servers are poorly educated and not focused on guest satisfaction. The bartenders are poorly trained in guest services and focused only on income... (more)

Edward M.

on Judys Book Aug 05, 2005
This is not a gimmick steakhouse. You won't find them cooking at your table or anything like that. What you will find is the best steak possibly ever, served around a fine meal and with an incredible selection of... (more)

J.A. M.

on Judys Book Aug 04, 2005
We went to Bern's during the holiday season and had a delicious dinner! The steaks were cooked to perfection and the side vegetables were worthy of the beef that they were served with. I wasn't crazy about the... (more)

Anjali N.

on Judys Book Jul 25, 2005
This is the restuarant you save for that special night when you want to go all out. The meal is expensive but they will not rush you in and out and you can have several different experiences in one night. You can take a tour... (more)

abatastini

on Citysearch Jul 11, 2005
I have been to the Harry Waugh dessert room many times and I must say there isnt a better place to have a romantic date. The food is so amazing, I especially reccomend the Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate. Another great... (more)

Andrew D.

on Judys Book Jun 20, 2005
This is the top notch steak house in the Tampa Bay area. They are pricey, but again you get what you pay for. I love their presentation and this is a great place to go for a celebration. I've always been impressed with the... (more)

shanerobin

on Citysearch Jun 08, 2005
Bern's is one of those restaraunts that you can count on the same quality everytime you dine there. Everett Bethune is one of the best waiters in the world. Ask for him when making reservations.... (more)

kahluanole

on Citysearch Jun 05, 2005
Berns is not a place to go in and eat and get out. This restaurant is a whole dining experience! The steak is outstanding, and I have had great steak other places, but they have so very much more to offer than just steak.... (more)

johannap72

on Citysearch May 04, 2005
I have been to Bern's several times and have never been disappointed. I am a person of modest means (I save my pennies for my yearly visit), yet I have never been made to feel out of place by their fantastic wait staff.... (more)

jolissa72

on Citysearch May 04, 2005
To me, ice cream should be in its very own food group. If I could live off it, I would. Bern's macadamia nut ice cream is simply the best ice cream I have ever eaten in my entire life. The first time I tried it, I was... (more)

ukmatt78

on Citysearch May 03, 2005
I've been to Bern's twice and after visiting several other famous steak houses in big cities (NYC and Chicago) Bern's greatness has only grown in my mind. The food is spectacular and they actually let you tour the... (more)

djyankees

on Citysearch Apr 05, 2005
I will admit, this place is pricey, don't dare go dressed in anything other than business casual or better, but this had to have been the best steak I've ever eaten. The wait service was polite, on top of everything we... (more)

pdwinter22

on Citysearch Jan 10, 2005
I have lived in Tampa since December 1985 and have always heard about Berns Steak house and the Harry Waugh Dessert Room. In December 2004 I took my wife to the dessert room after a nice dinner elsewhere to celebrate her... (more)

ksupplee

on Citysearch Oct 09, 2004
Coming from Atlanta, I didn't think there would be a steakhouse to rival Morton's or Chops... boy was I wrong! I have only lived in Tampa for 6 months and have been to Bern's 6 times. Not only are the steaks the best I've... (more)

kellyjgilbert

on Citysearch Jun 24, 2004
Perfection! Ask your waiter or waitress how long they've worked for Bern's and what it took for them to make it to where they are and you are sure to be impressed! The dedicated staff is the heart of your experience.... (more)

mariogcrociata

on Citysearch May 07, 2004
The dinner was okay, but as someone who buys and cooks a mean steak, I was not going to eat one. I ordered duck. Fatty, greasy and basically uninviting on the palate. The "veg du jour" was okra. Tough and slimey, and this... (more)

peatwo

on Citysearch May 06, 2004
Take the time to read up on the history of this restaurant before you dine. Just like reading a play before going to the theatre, you will appreciate the food/wine even more if you do.... (more)

Contributor

on Citysearch Mar 21, 2004
<b>The Scene</b><br>Nothing prepares you for it; not even the rococo excess of Bern's Steak House downstairs. People say, "Dine in individual hollowed-out wine casks." Or, "There are individual, wall-mounted... (more)

zapato_azul

on Citysearch Mar 17, 2004
Save yourself some time and money and skip Bern's. The service was just plain horrendous. Although their web-site touts a strong training program for their waiters, our waiter basically ignored us. The steak was... (more)

traveling_wilbury

on Citysearch Mar 14, 2004
Horrible service, mediocre entrees, and terrible atmosphere are all in order at "one of Tampa's finest". Apparently customer satisfaction no longer counts for anything at this Tampa "institution". The steak was... (more)

michifsu

on Citysearch Mar 11, 2004
Bern's is the best steakhouse ever. While the price is definetly extreme you are paying for the ambiance, excellent service, and wonderful food. I had been to Bern's a few times as a child and was always amazed by the... (more)

alisonroth

on Citysearch Mar 11, 2004
Berns is very expensive, so we don't visit often, but it is a highlight in Tampa Bay. Bern's is ideal for impressing some business accounts. It is a very nice location for a romantic dinner. Bern's is also terrific for a... (more)

critters07

on Citysearch Mar 11, 2004
My fiance and I love this place. The food is excellent. The wine list is unbelievable! It doesn't look like much from the outside. But, You will love the ambience of this place. The wait staff is top notch. They have a... (more)

biffster

on Citysearch Mar 07, 2004
The service was awful and the steak mediocre at best. Maybe I just had unlucky timing. We sat in the desert booth after dinner for 30 mins with no service. We left disappointed. (more)

KingEd1

on Citysearch Mar 07, 2004
Travel & Leisure magazine called Bern's "the best steakhouse in the world." And for good reason! Don't miss the exquisite dessert room upstairs, which requires separate reservations. And reserve early. This... (more)

marty

on Citysearch Jan 31, 2004
Service started well until tables filled and then our server disappeared! Food was adequate and surroundings were loud, noisy, and not very romantic. If you want a good steak, many other places are around with nicer... (more)

mhborell

on Citysearch Jan 21, 2004
great restuarant - not very romantic - great for large groups - great service - don't forget the dessert room (more)

dbmatthews

on Citysearch Dec 18, 2003
By far my favorite. Great pains go into making each meal perfect. (more)

tpa56

on Citysearch Nov 26, 2003
If you are in Tampa, this restaurant is A MUST for you! (more)

donaldscott98

on Citysearch Oct 23, 2003
This restaurant seems almost out of place in a beach town like Tampa and better suited to a New York or better yet, Chicago town. Service is the selling point. Be sure to take the kitchen tour to view the absolutely... (more)

picaman

on Citysearch Aug 25, 2003
In all, a very good experience. The service, with minor quibbles, was perfect and unhurried; the waiter was knowledgeable and capable. Our appetizers (fresh oysters and carpaccio) were great, as were the soups... (more)

mollyman

on Citysearch Aug 23, 2003
Tourist Trap - Yes Food and Service is Good - But final value for the price is seriously questionable! Besides, in the darkness of the dining room, be aware of their "gratuity-policy", avoid "over-tipping"!!... (more)

razeit

on Citysearch Aug 23, 2003
Yes, Bern's USED to be one of the premier steakhouses in Tampa Bay. However, the big change is the quality of the food. If you care more about the ambience and the service, then you'll be okay. However, my last visit to... (more)

jahahn

on Citysearch Aug 23, 2003
I enjoy the entire experience at Berns. It's always special to go there. It's more than just going to dinner. (more)

benitart

on Citysearch Aug 23, 2003
We took the grand tour of the wine cellar and the kitchen...I have been in the family restaurant business and the kitchen was spotless and organized to provide the freshest food and the best service. Huge fish tanks... (more)

blue7870

on Citysearch Jul 01, 2003
I have been to Bern's on a number of occasions, and I have never been impressed with anything but the dessert room. The meat is flavorless and the vegetables are boring and overcooked. My husband makes a much better... (more)
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Recent Comments


Bern's is the best steakhouse in Tampa!...their dessert room is 2nd to none...Quality... (more)
chessman606, Apr 25, 2011

It's the best place in the world!!!!! (more)
snowskater89, Apr 27, 2011

Great food and dining environment! (more)
gina4801, May 06, 2011

Bern's is the ultimate in steakhouse/winery experiences. (more)
thedemko, May 10, 2011

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