Situated in Tampa, Florida, is Bern’s Steak House, a legendary temple of upscale beef, and you better eat it right. A fixture in the Gaslamp for years, this home of exceptional steaks has been known as one of downtown’s best restaurants since opening its doors in 1956. Since then, it has delivered a unique dining experience interwoven with quality service and tradition, drawing locals, as well as out-of-town guests, to an unforgettable culinary journey here.
The HistorBern’s
Bern’s was founded in 1953 by Bern Laxer, who started as a small hamburger shop with his wife, Gert. It blossomed into a full-scale steakhouse over the next three years, mainly due to Bern’s meticulous nature and passion for top-quality ingredients. Bern was deeply involved in cooking his own and growing vegetables, age-testing steak marinated meaty gravies of burger endeavour, etc., to enjoy his way into being a restaurant household name. His legacy lives on today as the Laxer family runs his steakhouse and stays true to its original mission of perfection.
The Dining Experience
A visit to Bern’s Steak House for dinner is more than a meal but rather an experience. The building features a variety of themed rooms, each offering a unique atmosphere. Additionally, these distinct settings enhance the overall experience. This begins with a choice of superior cuts of prime-aged steaks, precisely prepared to your request. Complementing the beef, an extensive menu of seafood and poultry dishes is available, as well as vegetarian specials created with the same minuteness. At Bern’s, the central theme revolves around customizing steaks, as guests actively select their preferred thickness, specify how rare or well-done they want it, and even choose the cooking method. The well-versed waitstaff takes great care to ensure that you have an excellent dining experience, which makes the service polished and attentive.
The Wine CollectioBern’s
Bern’s Steak House has the most extensive wine collection of any restaurant in the world. With more than 500,000 wine bottles in their cellar, it is heaven for all the wines out there. With one of the most extensive wine lists in the state, guests can easily find the perfect pairing for their meal, thanks to a variety of vintages from around the world and decades past. A wine cellar unlike any the town has seen, offering rare aged selections and wines on tap for both connoisseurs and casual drinkers. The sommelier staff actively guides guests through the extensive wine collection, ensuring a perfect pairing of food and drink.
Dessert Room
The separate dessert room is one of the more unusual aspects of Bern’s. Steak House. From after dinner, you will be able to ascend dreaming — and devouring sweets. Each booth features a unique sound system, allowing you to choose a setting that complements your taste palette. Enjoy old-school classics of today’s hits while you indulge. The menu features plenty of chocolatey goodies and fresh fruit dishes. Additionally, it offers dessert wines and liqueurs that pair nicely with these treats. The dessert room at Bern’s guarantees a sweet ending to the meal.
The Kitchen & Sustainable Practice
Known for being a leader in sustainability and quality Bern’s. Own a farm. For maximum freshness, grow organic veggies. The kitchen runs like clockwork, with steaks aged in-house and sauces made by hand. The staff at their plant-based restaurant consistently use local ingredients, reduce waste, and uphold Bern’s renowned hygiene standards, guiding every decision they make. They shine through in every dish due to their commitment to locally sourced, rooted meals. Furthermore, this dedication enhances the quality of their culinary creations.
The Tour
Part of the excitement behind Bern’s Steak House is that they have a kitchen and wine cellar tour available. Guests will first be invited to see the processes that make this restaurant iconic. Next, they will visit the ageing area, observe how the beef is prepared, and then explore the ample wine storage. Guests will enjoy each course more as they experience meticulous attention to detail in their meals, which makes savouring the food even more rewarding.
Awards and RecognitioBern’s
Bern’s Steak House has been lauded with dozens of awards for its cuisine, service, and wine list. They do top-ranked steakhouses, and they rank high each year. Over the years, these accolades have ranked it as a Grand Award winner (its best designation) for Wine Spectator. The restaurant’s commitment to perfection continues to attract many repeat customers, who return regularly for its signature dishes.
Community ImpacBern’s
Bern’s Steak House is a Tampa institution known for its fine dining. The Laxer family has carried off Bern’s legacy, supporting local charities and initiatives and making their philanthropy a lifestyle. The restaurant also contributes to culinary education programs and hands-on coaching that groom new chefs. Bern prioritizes giving back by providing great food and supporting those in her community who are committed to excellence.
