It has always been considered the best steak house in Tampa, and the locals have always kidded about the decor to be more like a Brothels. It's always fun, and not at all pretentious .
Back in the '80s/90s the Desert Room was much better with a menu that had many more choices. You could smoke cigars in the small rooms and there was a piano player in the center. The joke was you could spend more upstairs than downstairs. As a local, we think it's overpriced.
I've probably eaten at Bern's more than 40 times. It's a great bargain for the cost. The trick is finding what you like on the menu (which is significantly more limited than it was before Covid). I have ordered the Delmonico for years and can remember only once being disappointed in the steak - it was overdone that time. My wife and son prefer the chateaubriand, and I don't think they will ever change. The onion soup is pretty damn good although I prefer the vichyssoise which was an option until a chef decided to add a teaspoon of truffle oil, and it became an additional charge. The vegetable of the day can be really great - the green beans in your shot are not distinctive. We were served smoked collards twice, and they were great, and I hope to have them again. My praise should be noteworthy because I don't have the taste for collards that other southerners do because I wasn't raised on them like many from this part of the country. We also had an eggplant side that was excellent. One thing that you missed (which may not be mentioned on the tour) on the wine cellar is that about 5 or 6 years ago, the solminer or some other soul discovered a 50+ year old bottle that wasn't included in the inventory and it later sold for more than the downpayment on a lot of houses. I was surprised by your delay in being seated in the desert room because I have never waited more than 10 minutes to be seated. Many years ago I worked with a polygrapher who did all the lie detector tests for Bern Laxer, and he told me that the most popular dessert was the macadamia nut sundae - maybe that's changed. Finally, it's not really fair to any restaurant to review it based on one meal. Should anybody suspect that I'm an insider defending Bern's, fear not. I have never worked there and never met any of the Laxers. I happen to live in the vicinity and have a wife whom I take there for her birthday every year. P.S. the steak sandwich at the bar is an excellent deal.
My coworker used to describe the decor as "French Brothel" (though he didn't use the word brothel). A little Bern's story...I took my family, father-in-law, and a friend of his there a few years ago. The friend was a little old lady from western Kentucky who drinks martinis and is very opinionated about them. She likes them very dry, and she spent maybe five minutes telling the waiter that. He went away and came back a bit later with the salad cart and a glass of gin. Then he said with a wink, "Now Miss Carm, would you like three, or four, drops of vermouth in your martini?" And he opened his jacket and pulled out an eyedropper full of vermouth. Any bartenders reading this might say, "So what?" but let me tell you, Carm was NOT expecting it....her mouth fell open and she couldn't speak for a solid minute! To me that moment was worth the price of the whole meal :-)
I’ve been there quite a few times, and I agree the food can be uneven. I’ve never had a bad experience in the dessert room, but of course that is what “uneven” means - good sometimes, not others. I’d say the “free” starters and side dishes have never been especially notable. You didn’t mention what wine you had, but for a wine lover that alone can be reason to go, never mind the steaks. They have so many bottles there that you will probably not find anywhere else, especially at that price. The wine is the one thing at Bern’s that is always spectacular.
Thank you for your comment! Our takeaway was that the steaks and wines are outstanding and everything else is good but not as good. This is definitely a wine lovers paradise. We had relatively inexpensive glasses of Cabernet that our waiter recommended. We liked them but are by no means wine experts so we didn’t want to comment on that too much
@@travelfuller you will not be disappointed. The only place my nieces and nephews want to go on their birthday is Bascoms. So do the rest of the family and friends
They used to be famous also for serving beer instead of water but unfortunately stopped some years back. Steak and free beer was what it used to be all about in the 60s and early 70s.
I agree completely with the review. I have been to Bern's many times, and the dessert room is just so-so, but the steaks are incredible. The bone marrow is the best I ever had and I highly recommend.
Been there many times, and IMO, the Chateaubriand is the way to go! Love Berns and the Dessert Room. Surprised you had a bad experience in the Dessert Room!
I have been going to Berns for 40+ years. Moreover, we have traveled all over the world and Berns is finest steakhouse I have ever eaten in. It boasts the largest private wine selection in the world. Also, the wine prices are the most reasonable i have ever seen in 5-star restaurant. They buy their wines and keep them for 20+ years in many cases and their prices are based upon the purchase price from 20 years ago and not the market price if you purchased it today. Incredibly reasonable. Stated succinctly, it is an eating experience!
I think your experience with the dessert room is atypical. I have been there dozens of times and never waited more than 5-10 minutes. I have never had a rude waiter and they are always pretty organized. There may be better dessert out there but the experience and service is (usually) unmatched.
Been there done that.Agree with you spot on.steaks were phenominal but having made reservations a month in advance we were seated next to the Cesar Salad station.Talk about noisey.In tampa I prefer either Ruth’s Cris or Charley’s.
You need to get the “King Midas” for desert if you go again. Carrot Cake & Macadamia Nut Ice Cream. Add a side of Brazilian Snow “White” Ice Cream with fresh ground coffee folded into it. If you don’t ask for it white it’s made with coffee ice cream, but I like the contrast with vanilla. 😊
Exceptional review, K & W, especially in light of their recording policy. One thing I've noticed in Florida is that long-standing restaurants try hard - maybe too hard - to embrace quirkiness (dry-aged beef, dessert room, French onion soup, et al) in hopes of maintaining a reputation. That can come at the expense of the experience... like a 2-hour dessert? From beginning to end, I get the vibe that Bern's is doing you a favor by allowing you to eat there.
Thank you! Now that you say that, I think that’s exactly how we were feeling. It felt more like we should be grateful for being there rather than the restaurant being grateful for the business
Do you think being told that you couldn't film had anything to do with being disappointed with some of the food? The reason I ask is that I have found that how your treated in the first few minute's has a great deal to do with the overall experience. Enjoyed your video very much and look forward to seeing more.
Two issues. First did you watch the video? A pretty glowing review overall. The disappointments were over one of three different main dishes with one absolute rave and the other being excellent. Deserts not living up to expectations and an only “good” soup. Oh, nice comments about service and decor. The restaurant appears to have been graciously accommodating allowing filming before or after service hours. Frankly, as a patron, I don’t like folks filming anything, let alone doing a review in restaurants. A good rule.
Lived in Tampa all my life and have been to Bern's many times over the years, that being said ........things are not the same as when Bern & Gert were around. My standard fare was always a 20 oz. filet medium. The steaks used to be melt in your mouth and you could almost cut it with a butter knife. My last 2 visits were not so great as the steak was NOT tender and at times chewy ?? Those were my last visits and that was 10 years ago which is sad as Presidents and ton's of actors and sports stars have dined there. This Bern's is not the Bern's it used to be........ Ruth Chris is much better. Great review !
Have to agree. Living in the Chicago area prior to moving to Tampa, Berns doesn’t compare in quality and service to Morton’s, Gibsons, Chicago Chop House or Ruth Chris steak houses. Wasn’t impressed with the meal or the atmosphere. Steak was tough and the baked potato was very small.
Fair review. Can't be understated that the inclusion of everything with the meal is a good value. So many steak houses in the area are al la carte... and I would argue are better, with more elevated sides and desserts but you'll walk out spending at least double. My only suggestion would be to go for the Lux Tasting over the Taste of Berns. The Lux features Fillet, A5 Wagu Strip and Dry Aged Delmonico which is a good sampling of decadent fatty, lean and dry aged. Glad you noted the 3-4+ hours total time. A night there feels like an experience but you need to go in knowing that it will consume your whole evening if doing dinner and dessert. Also, worth mentioning is the spirits menu. You can get some rare and generally unobtainable whiskeys. Similar to the wine they have one heck of a selection. For a more modern experience going to the sister restaurant Haven for dinner and then setting up a dessert reservation at Berns is the play. Cheers!
I’ve been to Bern’s dozens of times. Usually you take the kitchen tour and when you get upstairs your table is waiting. The taste of Berns was a mistake while good, the 100 day ribeye is money. Never had bad service upstairs but they are the future servers in training so I’m sorry you got a bad one. The dessert room options have been pared down so always get the ice cream. It’s as much about after dinner drinks as dessert and it’s fun selecting your own private music or requesting something from the piano bar.
Oh that would’ve been much better! When we got upstairs we had to check in again and there was a huge crowd waiting. I’d love to do the 100 day next time, that was fantastic. We were pretty surprised by the service too, especially after how great everything was downstairs. Yes that’s a very unique part of the experience! We should’ve mentioned that in the video. And we’d love to sit in the piano room next time!
I live in Tampa, just about 10 minutes away from Hyde Park. I've been to Bern's a few times. In so far as the steaks are concerned, it is just ok. I can think of far more superior places, but they are in Argentina, Uruguay, or Paraguay, lol. I will say though, that in my own experience the service has been top notch and I will for sure go back whenever the occasion calls for it.
@travelfuller Back then it was the only fine dining restaurant in central Florida! I was attracted by the wine cellar not so much the food! We had a condo in Ormond Beach so it was a bit of a drive. The little I remember was good! By the way, I loved your video on Klaw! As I am now retired in Miami Lakes I am looking forward to going to their Happy Hour & restaurant. I will order that steak & sweet potatoes! Happy Holidays, Larry
Thanks for the review - I live in the area and probably have been there 15X. One of the best things I’ve had there was a daily special - sriracha short ribs - yum
Two recommendations! Taverna Tascana in Bradenton. They have an AMAZING dry aged Wagyu! Also, Oyster River is a rooftop restaurant at the Marriott in Palmetto. They’re both pretty awesome.
My brother used to work there. He got hired as a bartender. On the first day they put him washing dishes. When he asked why he wasn’t making drinks, they told him he had to work his way up to that level. My brother wasn’t happy so he quit and started working on a cruise ship. Lol
I thought I was watching a Clara Bow silent flicker show when I witnessed the silent "Wow" at the dry aged tenderloin. Great vid as always, thanks so much for the knowledge and entertainment
U get the whole meal….not like others places where every single item is A La Carte, which we hate. Been dining at Berns over 40 years…steaks are just fantastic. Years ago, didn’t need a reservation on weeknights at certain slower times. We don’t like the whole “reservations” thing..anywhere. So, we don’t go much anymore. Desert Room in excellent. TMF after a steak for us.
I live in the Tampa Bay area and have been to Bern's many times. Definitely not the best place IMO but still good. If I want to spend a lot of money I'll go to Bern's.. if I want a really good steak I'll prepare it myself!
Really appreciate the honest review. It's unfortunate that your experience was so up & down. I feel like good service should be the most reliable thing about any restaurant, at the very least:)
Of course! It’s always tough to judge a place on one visit. I think the servers upstairs are in training so that might explain the differences in service but the service downstairs is top notch
If you love wine this is the place for you! The wine selection is unbelievable. They said a lot of their bottles you can’t find anywhere else in the country
I find Bern's to be a bit stuffy (I'm a casual kind of guy) but in the dessert room you can also buy aged booze so if you ever want to spend $35 on a glass of 40 year old single malt that's the place to go.
It’s funny, I live here and have been to Berns maybe times. Just finally tried the baked Alaska last week and had the same experience. Dripping in spiced rum and ruined the dessert, found it odd.
It’s nice to hear it wasn’t just us. A lot of people have been commenting saying they loved the Baked Alaska! Maybe they overdid the spiced rum on both of ours
Berns is a fun place to go...but not for the food. The wine, dessert room and the steak sandwich (in the bar area only). You go to say you went to Bern's. I don't know anything they do that someone in the area doesn't do better!
I live in Tampa and have been there many times and the review is pretty spot on. You go to Berns for the experience as the food is mediocre to above average at best. Wine tour is great. Kitchen tour is interesting and the dessert floor is amazing in concept but they have some of the most underwhelming desserts I’ve ever had. However, for the price you really can’t beat the overall experience so I still like going there. It is surprising though that sometimes reservations are three months out but kudos to them for being so successful. Btw I usually think a strong salad is a good tell on whether a steak place is worth its salt. Not with Berns. The salads are borderline poor yet they often have very good steaks so that isn’t representative at this place.
Tampa resident here. Been there and wasn't impressed. Had far better food at Bascom's in Clearwater. I'll also take Ruth's Chris steak over Bern's any day of the week. It's worth it to try once but after that I see no point in returning.
I've been to Bern's twice this year and have never had a bad experience. I also have never had to wait for a table upstairs after finishing dinner. I thought the house salad and dressing was excellent. I've never heard of lettuce described as old?
I frequent many 'fine dining' restaurants in the Tampa Bay area and Burn's has to be the most overrated of them all. Price wise, they are a good bag for your buck. However they don't top the list in my opinion in any department. Glad you had an awsome steak experience there. Thanks for posting!
If you are not a local, you do not know how to do Berns. There is a process ending with the dessert room and an espresso. If you don’t follow the process, you will spend too much while not getting the best Bern’s has to offer. Berns waiters is very hard to believe if you know.
Lost me when u said the French onion soup was meh.. I'll spray u with water like a bad cat 🐈 Should've tried the Semi Frozen Triple Chocolate Brandy Alexander in the Harry Waugh dessert room. P.S. One time when I was there for a high school dance, the waiter took my steak while I was in the restroom. The rage still boils inside my soul 🔥 Best steak house ever. There's so much more to tell about this place. It's truly iconic, exceptional and one of a kind.
Never understood restaurants that surround a top quality main dish...steak in this case....with mediocre sides. It reflects so poorly on the chef/management. At high end establishments where I'm paying a premium I expect everything delivered to the table to have been given the same effort and attention to detail. An example is Lawry's Prime Rib. You go there for the meat but their sides like creamed spinach, Yorkshire pudding, sautéed mushrooms are superb. Same with appetizers and salads at top restaurants. They should be every bit as good as.the entre. Or don't bother.
I’m from Tampa, and let me just say that most born and raised locals don’t really go to Berns as it is overrated and overpriced. I’d rather make my own steak at home. Also when it comes to the mannerisms of the waiter in the desert room doubting if they ever had baked Alaska before I’m sure he was trying to be a snob and fit in like most people in South Tampa do.
South Tampa residents are like denizens of the South that still believe in plantations, as if 1865 and the war's end never happened. Living in South Tampa is like cornering the rutabaga market.
Despite making it sound like you weren't going to have video of the restaurant - you actually had plenty of video frankly just the kind of video I'd like to see. This was actually the best video you've shot, to date, because it wasn't us watching a lot of chewing by you too. Great shots of the food, nice shots of the interior - I'm not sure why you wouldn't do this same thing each time.
Agreed. Always had great food and good service. Usually got a filet or mixed grill. Went there several times a year when I lived in ATL. Still probably have some matches they would send me floating around somewhere. They would also mail shortbread cookies sometimes. Never had a bad experience. Food at Bern's was good but overpriced for the quality IMHO, and service was mediocre for this price range. The dessert room was somewhat better, but service was very slow both times I went. The tour of the kitchen and wine cellar is a must, especially if you have never worked in food service.
I moved to Florida about 3 years ago an noticed that Florida's food service industry is horrible. It doesnt matter how expensive of a place you got they will always forget something or something will be off. So far I think Meat Market in hyde park is probably the best steak house honestly.
I mourn that you had a bad experience upstairs. I will bring the fam there for a "light" expensive night. I'll usually grab a cheese plate (AMAZING) and then desert for an atypical dinner. I can't say I've had a bad service experience up there, but I think they run their hires through the upstairs before bringing them downstairs. You probably got a server who didn't (or won't) make the cut.
I showed up last second and tried to get in solo at the bar.....they pretty much laughed at me. Reservations are a must.....this was a tuesday night :)
I live in one town over from Bern's. I went there years ago but i would have to say they aren't all that. Wine list is over the top good and the desserts are incredible but as far as the steaks, meh.
Better food and better service at Capitol Grill in Tampa. Berns has been on a multiyear decline in taste and quality however, it is still packs people in.
shocking outcome honestly. Other than the butter and bread, I'm unconvinced to visit... sad because this was high on my list of "if I'm ever in Florida and not at Disneyworld"
@@travelfuller Wasn't it Lillian Hellman who said "If you don't have anything nice to say come sit next to me"? Anyway, if everything is great then nothing is great so it's something of a disservice to the truly great places when people don't call out the places that aren't so great. And you guys go to, mostly, expensive places. So if it isn't great then I think it probably should be considered a disappointing meal. No need to stretch to find the few highlights of an otherwise disappointing meal. As they said on the Brady Bunch: Tell it like it is, Mrs. Brady. Tell it like it is.
That’s a good one! But yeah couldn’t agree more. We always try to find the highlights but when it comes down to our scores we’re going to be as honest as possible
Been to Berns once and will prob never return. I found it to be average at best in comparison to other well known steak houses like Morton’s, Gibsons or Chicago Chop house.
Typical tourists visiting an iconic restaurant without having a clue about what to order. Bern's is not exactly a tourist trap although they border on it in certain ways. Like everyone who has eaten at Bern's commented here, and NEVER had a reason to complain. I've eaten at Bern's dozens of times. The thing is, the place is an authentic "farm to table" restaurant. They grow their own vegetables and herbs. They change their vegetable side dishes every day. If you don't like your vegetable side, visit again the next day. You absolutely ordered our least favorite desserts. Anything with chocolate is superb. Nice try. Next time you venture south, call me. I'll advise you on what to order at Bern's.
@@mariasant7810 fake news! (As a felon once said.) Seriously, would it matter if they only grow and serve their own rutabagas? If they farm it and then sell it, isn't that the whole point?
You guys unfortunately missed the best thing that they have ,imo. CESAR SALAD! is their very best product to me. Although Bern's is great I feel like they are kinda living on past wins, so to speak. The innovations and art in cooking has made competion stiff. But still quite the experience.
The service in the states no longer compares when I was a teenager! We recently returned from Africa and we had great service everywhere we went even at the gas stations. That is the way I remember as teenager in the 80's. People in the states are the most selfish self centered and only care about themselves. Even at high end establishments that your pay a high price for! And stupid tip jars everywhere!!!!!! No tip jars in Africa. I dreaded coming back home and after many travels around the word, Africa by far is way better than the states.
Hell NO! I went there one time and the Menu awful. You are pigeon holed into specific items and NO substitutions. The steak was so so. The meal was ridiculously expensive for what you received. I wouldn't go there again nor would I recommend it to anyone.
Interesting. The complimentary sides tells a lot of the story even before you get to the rest of the review. They looked like something you’d get at a 300 seat Texas Roadhouse. It makes all the lows more understandable. Not going to waste my time or $ at this establishment.
Well done video, especially given the circumstances! I thought about going to Bern's earlier in the year, but ended up skipping it when I saw their photo and video policy. That banana pie looked amazing by the way!
Thanks! We’re not used to this voice over style. We’ll need some tips from you! We had a trip planned to Tampa just to try this place so we were devastated when we saw the policy. It’s not ideal but we’re glad we could make something. I wish we could’ve compared notes because we didn’t think it was as good as most of the NYC spots!
It has always been considered the best steak house in Tampa, and the locals have always kidded about the decor to be more like a Brothels. It's always fun, and not at all pretentious .
Berns decor is part of the charm. No one wants it to look generic. I love the tacky vibe.
I always describe it as a French Whorehouse.
Yeah...agreed
Back in the '80s/90s the Desert Room was much better with a menu that had many more choices. You could smoke cigars in the small rooms and there was a piano player in the center. The joke was you could spend more upstairs than downstairs. As a local, we think it's overpriced.
I've probably eaten at Bern's more than 40 times. It's a great bargain for the cost. The trick is finding what you like on the menu (which is significantly more limited than it was before Covid). I have ordered the Delmonico for years and can remember only once being disappointed in the steak - it was overdone that time. My wife and son prefer the chateaubriand, and I don't think they will ever change. The onion soup is pretty damn good although I prefer the vichyssoise which was an option until a chef decided to add a teaspoon of truffle oil, and it became an additional charge. The vegetable of the day can be really great - the green beans in your shot are not distinctive. We were served smoked collards twice, and they were great, and I hope to have them again. My praise should be noteworthy because I don't have the taste for collards that other southerners do because I wasn't raised on them like many from this part of the country. We also had an eggplant side that was excellent. One thing that you missed (which may not be mentioned on the tour) on the wine cellar is that about 5 or 6 years ago, the solminer or some other soul discovered a 50+ year old bottle that wasn't included in the inventory and it later sold for more than the downpayment on a lot of houses.
I was surprised by your delay in being seated in the desert room because I have never waited more than 10 minutes to be seated. Many years ago I worked with a polygrapher who did all the lie detector tests for Bern Laxer, and he told me that the most popular dessert was the macadamia nut sundae - maybe that's changed.
Finally, it's not really fair to any restaurant to review it based on one meal.
Should anybody suspect that I'm an insider defending Bern's, fear not. I have never worked there and never met any of the Laxers. I happen to live in the vicinity and have a wife whom I take there for her birthday every year.
P.S. the steak sandwich at the bar is an excellent deal.
Appreciate your comment. Agreed. I’ve been there once. I live further south. I’ll def be back. :)
My coworker used to describe the decor as "French Brothel" (though he didn't use the word brothel).
A little Bern's story...I took my family, father-in-law, and a friend of his there a few years ago. The friend was a little old lady from western Kentucky who drinks martinis and is very opinionated about them. She likes them very dry, and she spent maybe five minutes telling the waiter that. He went away and came back a bit later with the salad cart and a glass of gin.
Then he said with a wink, "Now Miss Carm, would you like three, or four, drops of vermouth in your martini?" And he opened his jacket and pulled out an eyedropper full of vermouth. Any bartenders reading this might say, "So what?" but let me tell you, Carm was NOT expecting it....her mouth fell open and she couldn't speak for a solid minute! To me that moment was worth the price of the whole meal :-)
Try the Precinct Steakhouse by Jeff Rubys in Cincinnati Ohio. The velvet room is a nice touch too.
Looks amazing! Thanks for the tip!
I’ve been there quite a few times, and I agree the food can be uneven. I’ve never had a bad experience in the dessert room, but of course that is what “uneven” means - good sometimes, not others. I’d say the “free” starters and side dishes have never been especially notable. You didn’t mention what wine you had, but for a wine lover that alone can be reason to go, never mind the steaks. They have so many bottles there that you will probably not find anywhere else, especially at that price. The wine is the one thing at Bern’s that is always spectacular.
Thank you for your comment! Our takeaway was that the steaks and wines are outstanding and everything else is good but not as good. This is definitely a wine lovers paradise. We had relatively inexpensive glasses of Cabernet that our waiter recommended. We liked them but are by no means wine experts so we didn’t want to comment on that too much
Berns is incredible!!!! Food, service, atmosphere, everything about this place.
Kristin's script is pitch perfect at the beginning of each video. This attention to detail really shows!
Thanks!! So glad you enjoyed it!
Kristin is married ;)
Recommend Bascoms Chop House in Clearwater, FL.
Across Tampa Bay into Pinellas County.
Someone else just said the same thing! We’ll have to check it out
@@travelfuller you will not be disappointed. The only place my nieces and nephews want to go on their birthday is Bascoms. So do the rest of the family and friends
They used to be famous also for serving beer instead of water but unfortunately stopped some years back. Steak and free beer was what it used to be all about in the 60s and early 70s.
I lived in Clearwater for 22 years and went to Bern's many times. Never had a bad experience there.
I didn't know Adam Sandler was making videos
I agree completely with the review. I have been to Bern's many times, and the dessert room is just so-so, but the steaks are incredible. The bone marrow is the best I ever had and I highly recommend.
I just found you on this video. Thanks! I have been wanting to go here for a long time. Subscribed!
Thanks so much for watching! If you get the chance to visit let us know what you think
Been there many times, and IMO, the Chateaubriand is the way to go! Love Berns and the Dessert Room. Surprised you had a bad experience in the Dessert Room!
Love you guys and your channel. Cheers.
Thanks that means a lot!! Anywhere you want to see a video on?
@ Love it all! Like the City tour ones as well.
I have been going to Berns for 40+ years. Moreover, we have traveled all over the world and Berns is finest steakhouse I have ever eaten in. It boasts the largest private wine selection in the world. Also, the wine prices are the most reasonable i have ever seen in 5-star restaurant. They buy their wines and keep them for 20+ years in many cases and their prices are based upon the purchase price from 20 years ago and not the market price if you purchased it today. Incredibly reasonable. Stated succinctly, it is an eating experience!
I think your experience with the dessert room is atypical. I have been there dozens of times and never waited more than 5-10 minutes. I have never had a rude waiter and they are always pretty organized. There may be better dessert out there but the experience and service is (usually) unmatched.
Nice review. Keep up the good work. Enjoyed it! Are all their steaks USDA prime?
Thanks! I'm not sure about the filets but otherwise yes!
Growing up in Tampa Burns has always been our favorite. such a unique wonderful experience, but I have seen changes over the years.
Been there done that.Agree with you spot on.steaks were phenominal but having made reservations a month in advance we were seated next to the Cesar Salad station.Talk about noisey.In tampa I prefer either Ruth’s Cris or Charley’s.
You need to get the “King Midas” for desert if you go again. Carrot Cake & Macadamia Nut Ice Cream. Add a side of Brazilian Snow “White” Ice Cream with fresh ground coffee folded into it. If you don’t ask for it white it’s made with coffee ice cream, but I like the contrast with vanilla. 😊
Exceptional review, K & W, especially in light of their recording policy. One thing I've noticed in Florida is that long-standing restaurants try hard - maybe too hard - to embrace quirkiness (dry-aged beef, dessert room, French onion soup, et al) in hopes of maintaining a reputation. That can come at the expense of the experience... like a 2-hour dessert? From beginning to end, I get the vibe that Bern's is doing you a favor by allowing you to eat there.
Thank you! Now that you say that, I think that’s exactly how we were feeling. It felt more like we should be grateful for being there rather than the restaurant being grateful for the business
Do you think being told that you couldn't film had anything to do with being disappointed with some of the food? The reason I ask is that I have found that how your treated in the first few minute's has a great deal to do with the overall experience. Enjoyed your video very much and look forward to seeing more.
The food is not good I have been there many times because friends who visit want to go experience it,
Two issues. First did you watch the video? A pretty glowing review overall. The disappointments were over one of three different main dishes with one absolute rave and the other being excellent. Deserts not living up to expectations and an only “good” soup.
Oh, nice comments about service and decor.
The restaurant appears to have been graciously accommodating allowing filming before or after service hours.
Frankly, as a patron, I don’t like folks filming anything, let alone doing a review in restaurants. A good rule.
Lived in Tampa all my life and have been to Bern's many times over the years, that being said ........things are not the same as when Bern & Gert were around. My standard fare was always a 20 oz. filet medium. The steaks used to be melt in your mouth and you could almost cut it with a butter knife. My last 2 visits were not so great as the steak was NOT tender and at times chewy ?? Those were my last visits and that was 10 years ago which is sad as Presidents and ton's of actors and sports stars have dined there. This Bern's is not the Bern's it used to be........ Ruth Chris is much better. Great review !
Have to agree. Living in the Chicago area prior to moving to Tampa, Berns doesn’t compare in quality and service to Morton’s, Gibsons, Chicago Chop House or Ruth Chris steak houses. Wasn’t impressed with the meal or the atmosphere. Steak was tough and the baked potato was very small.
Your dessert waiter should probably find a job where he isn't exposed to customers
Berns is amazing. You go for the experience
Okeechobee Steakhouse in West Palm Beach, FL is a must.
Fair review. Can't be understated that the inclusion of everything with the meal is a good value. So many steak houses in the area are al la carte... and I would argue are better, with more elevated sides and desserts but you'll walk out spending at least double.
My only suggestion would be to go for the Lux Tasting over the Taste of Berns. The Lux features Fillet, A5 Wagu Strip and Dry Aged Delmonico which is a good sampling of decadent fatty, lean and dry aged.
Glad you noted the 3-4+ hours total time. A night there feels like an experience but you need to go in knowing that it will consume your whole evening if doing dinner and dessert.
Also, worth mentioning is the spirits menu. You can get some rare and generally unobtainable whiskeys. Similar to the wine they have one heck of a selection.
For a more modern experience going to the sister restaurant Haven for dinner and then setting up a dessert reservation at Berns is the play.
Cheers!
I’ve been to Bern’s dozens of times. Usually you take the kitchen tour and when you get upstairs your table is waiting. The taste of Berns was a mistake while good, the 100 day ribeye is money. Never had bad service upstairs but they are the future servers in training so I’m sorry you got a bad one. The dessert room options have been pared down so always get the ice cream. It’s as much about after dinner drinks as dessert and it’s fun selecting your own private music or requesting something from the piano bar.
Oh that would’ve been much better! When we got upstairs we had to check in again and there was a huge crowd waiting. I’d love to do the 100 day next time, that was fantastic. We were pretty surprised by the service too, especially after how great everything was downstairs. Yes that’s a very unique part of the experience! We should’ve mentioned that in the video. And we’d love to sit in the piano room next time!
I live in Tampa, just about 10 minutes away from Hyde Park. I've been to Bern's a few times. In so far as the steaks are concerned, it is just ok. I can think of far more superior places, but they are in Argentina, Uruguay, or Paraguay, lol. I will say though, that in my own experience the service has been top notch and I will for sure go back whenever the occasion calls for it.
If you're back in Tampa go to Steelbach. Steakhouse with localish grass fed cattle. Just as an alternative. Great video! Love the honesty.
Thanks! We were actually supposed to go there but had to leave early for work. Next time for sure!
🗣️WOW!!!!!🎉
Loved it, it’s one of my favorites 🥩 🍷
Hi guys: first ate at Berns in 1968 or 69! Never went back😅
Wow! What did you think of it?
@travelfuller Back then it was the only fine dining restaurant in central Florida! I was attracted by the wine cellar not so much the food! We had a condo in Ormond Beach so it was a bit of a drive. The little I remember was good! By the way, I loved your video on Klaw! As I am now retired in Miami Lakes I am looking forward to going to their Happy Hour & restaurant. I will order that steak & sweet potatoes! Happy Holidays, Larry
@@YASTravelsEatsWell Charley's opened in 1970
Thanks for the review - I live in the area and probably have been there 15X. One of the best things I’ve had there was a daily special - sriracha short ribs - yum
Two recommendations! Taverna Tascana in Bradenton. They have an AMAZING dry aged Wagyu! Also, Oyster River is a rooftop restaurant at the Marriott in Palmetto. They’re both pretty awesome.
Thanks so much! We’ll be sure to look into them!
My brother used to work there. He got hired as a bartender. On the first day they put him washing dishes. When he asked why he wasn’t making drinks, they told him he had to work his way up to that level. My brother wasn’t happy so he quit and started working on a cruise ship. Lol
I thought I was watching a Clara Bow silent flicker show when I witnessed the silent "Wow" at the dry aged tenderloin. Great vid as always, thanks so much for the knowledge and entertainment
Oh no! It was hard to resist because those steaks were worth a wow
U get the whole meal….not like others places where every single item is A La Carte, which we hate. Been dining at Berns over 40 years…steaks are just fantastic. Years ago, didn’t need a reservation on weeknights at certain slower times. We don’t like the whole “reservations” thing..anywhere. So, we don’t go much anymore. Desert Room in excellent. TMF after a steak for us.
I live in the Tampa Bay area and have been to Bern's many times. Definitely not the best place IMO but still good. If I want to spend a lot of money I'll go to Bern's.. if I want a really good steak I'll prepare it myself!
Really appreciate the honest review. It's unfortunate that your experience was so up & down. I feel like good service should be the most reliable thing about any restaurant, at the very least:)
Of course! It’s always tough to judge a place on one visit. I think the servers upstairs are in training so that might explain the differences in service but the service downstairs is top notch
Bern’s was incomparable when Bern ran it
I’m shocked they don’t allow cameras. At least they let you in early to film.
It took a little insistence but it was amazing they let us in early. Otherwise we definitely wouldn’t have been able to make this!
I've been to Tampa, and have heard of this restaurant because of the wine list. I'll certainly stop in next time I visit Florida!
If you love wine this is the place for you! The wine selection is unbelievable. They said a lot of their bottles you can’t find anywhere else in the country
@travelfuller Reason enough to hit up Tampa again!
There’s Bascom chophouse in Clearwater, Florida.
Thanks for the tip!
I find Bern's to be a bit stuffy (I'm a casual kind of guy) but in the dessert room you can also buy aged booze so if you ever want to spend $35 on a glass of 40 year old single malt that's the place to go.
It’s funny, I live here and have been to Berns maybe times. Just finally tried the baked Alaska last week and had the same experience. Dripping in spiced rum and ruined the dessert, found it odd.
It’s nice to hear it wasn’t just us. A lot of people have been commenting saying they loved the Baked Alaska! Maybe they overdid the spiced rum on both of ours
You both do an excellent job!
Thanks so much!
As good as it gets anywhere. I love the dessert room.
Berns is a fun place to go...but not for the food. The wine, dessert room and the steak sandwich (in the bar area only). You go to say you went to Bern's. I don't know anything they do that someone in the area doesn't do better!
I live in Tampa and have been there many times and the review is pretty spot on. You go to Berns for the experience as the food is mediocre to above average at best. Wine tour is great. Kitchen tour is interesting and the dessert floor is amazing in concept but they have some of the most underwhelming desserts I’ve ever had. However, for the price you really can’t beat the overall experience so I still like going there. It is surprising though that sometimes reservations are three months out but kudos to them for being so successful. Btw I usually think a strong salad is a good tell on whether a steak place is worth its salt. Not with Berns. The salads are borderline poor yet they often have very good steaks so that isn’t representative at this place.
Buddy, you need to go to Christner's in Orlando. Best you will ever have
Tampa resident here. Been there and wasn't impressed. Had far better food at Bascom's in Clearwater. I'll also take Ruth's Chris steak over Bern's any day of the week. It's worth it to try once but after that I see no point in returning.
I've been to Bern's twice this year and have never had a bad experience. I also have never had to wait for a table upstairs after finishing dinner. I thought the house salad and dressing was excellent. I've never heard of lettuce described as old?
They used to offer cocaine in the desert room if you ordered the "Powdered Sugar Cake"
I frequent many 'fine dining' restaurants in the Tampa Bay area and Burn's has to be the most overrated of them all. Price wise, they are a good bag for your buck. However they don't top the list in my opinion in any department. Glad you had an awsome steak experience there. Thanks for posting!
Berns is the Best!!
What wine did you order? You did order wine ?
If you are not a local, you do not know how to do Berns. There is a process ending with the dessert room and an espresso. If you don’t follow the process, you will spend too much while not getting the best Bern’s has to offer. Berns waiters is very hard to believe if you know.
The only problem with Bern’s: too crowded.
It’s a fun place to visit for a good meal.
Lost me when u said the French onion soup was meh.. I'll spray u with water like a bad cat 🐈
Should've tried the Semi Frozen Triple Chocolate Brandy Alexander in the Harry Waugh dessert room.
P.S. One time when I was there for a high school dance, the waiter took my steak while I was in the restroom. The rage still boils inside my soul 🔥 Best steak house ever. There's so much more to tell about this place. It's truly iconic, exceptional and one of a kind.
Very strange of the waiter to doubt if you've had a Baked Alaska before. Seems like something too mundane to lie about.
That waiter was being rude the entire time but we thought that comment was especially strange and unnecessary. Maybe he was just having a bad day
@@travelfuller Rack it up as a bad day for him. And feel great that your channel is gaining traction.
What was the name of the restaurant in Orlando (carpaccio)? Morton's? Charley's?
Kres Chophouse!
Never understood restaurants that surround a top quality main dish...steak in this case....with mediocre sides. It reflects so poorly on the chef/management. At high end establishments where I'm paying a premium I expect everything delivered to the table to have been given the same effort and attention to detail. An example is Lawry's Prime Rib. You go there for the meat but their sides like creamed spinach, Yorkshire pudding, sautéed mushrooms are superb. Same with appetizers and salads at top restaurants. They should be every bit as good as.the entre. Or don't bother.
Facts 💯!
I’m from Tampa, and let me just say that most born and raised locals don’t really go to Berns as it is overrated and overpriced. I’d rather make my own steak at home. Also when it comes to the mannerisms of the waiter in the desert room doubting if they ever had baked Alaska before I’m sure he was trying to be a snob and fit in like most people in South Tampa do.
South Tampa residents are like denizens of the South that still believe in plantations, as if 1865 and the war's end never happened. Living in South Tampa is like cornering the rutabaga market.
@@richardperea9668um…. What? South Tampa what now?
Learn how to spell “steak”😂😂
@@FishingWithLuke09 fixed it! Thank you for letting me know you don’t have a life or anything better to do than correct people.
Agreed with this review. But I rather liked the carpaccio. The carrot cake was meh. Our baked Alaska was great, though.
Despite making it sound like you weren't going to have video of the restaurant - you actually had plenty of video frankly just the kind of video I'd like to see. This was actually the best video you've shot, to date, because it wasn't us watching a lot of chewing by you too. Great shots of the food, nice shots of the interior - I'm not sure why you wouldn't do this same thing each time.
Berns does think their shit doesn't stink sometimes.
@@Mr_Mgun Because it doesn't.
@@charlesparr3296 don't agree
@Mr_Mgun Then don't jackwagon.
@@charlesparr3296 are you 12?
@Mr_Mgun no, 59. Like it really matters.
Bones ATL, is the best steakhouse in the country.
Thanks for the tip! We’ve gotta try it!
Agreed. Always had great food and good service. Usually got a filet or mixed grill. Went there several times a year when I lived in ATL. Still probably have some matches they would send me floating around somewhere. They would also mail shortbread cookies sometimes. Never had a bad experience. Food at Bern's was good but overpriced for the quality IMHO, and service was mediocre for this price range. The dessert room was somewhat better, but service was very slow both times I went. The tour of the kitchen and wine cellar is a must, especially if you have never worked in food service.
I moved to Florida about 3 years ago an noticed that Florida's food service industry is horrible. It doesnt matter how expensive of a place you got they will always forget something or something will be off. So far I think Meat Market in hyde park is probably the best steak house honestly.
The Meat Market is a good as Outback!
@ i happen to love outback their garlic bread is awesome
I mourn that you had a bad experience upstairs. I will bring the fam there for a "light" expensive night. I'll usually grab a cheese plate (AMAZING) and then desert for an atypical dinner. I can't say I've had a bad service experience up there, but I think they run their hires through the upstairs before bringing them downstairs. You probably got a server who didn't (or won't) make the cut.
I showed up last second and tried to get in solo at the bar.....they pretty much laughed at me. Reservations are a must.....this was a tuesday night :)
Haha I’m not surprised! We booked this 30 days out right when it dropped and the entire day was booked in seconds
I live in one town over from Bern's. I went there years ago but i would have to say they aren't all that. Wine list is over the top good and the desserts are incredible but as far as the steaks, meh.
Better food and better service at Capitol Grill in Tampa. Berns has been on a multiyear decline in taste and quality however, it is still packs people in.
It’s still impossible to make a reservation! We haven’t been to capitol grille in a while but we’ll probably make a video on it soon
shocking outcome honestly. Other than the butter and bread, I'm unconvinced to visit... sad because this was high on my list of "if I'm ever in Florida and not at Disneyworld"
I like it when you go negative. It's more fun to watch
Haha I’m glad you like it! We always get so nervous saying negative things about beloved restaurants but we also have to be honest
@@travelfuller Wasn't it Lillian Hellman who said "If you don't have anything nice to say come sit next to me"? Anyway, if everything is great then nothing is great so it's something of a disservice to the truly great places when people don't call out the places that aren't so great. And you guys go to, mostly, expensive places. So if it isn't great then I think it probably should be considered a disappointing meal. No need to stretch to find the few highlights of an otherwise disappointing meal. As they said on the Brady Bunch: Tell it like it is, Mrs. Brady. Tell it like it is.
That’s a good one! But yeah couldn’t agree more. We always try to find the highlights but when it comes down to our scores we’re going to be as honest as possible
Berns has really down in quality over the years. We switched to Charlies.
Been to Berns once and will prob never return. I found it to be average at best in comparison to other well known steak houses like Morton’s, Gibsons or Chicago Chop house.
I live down the road. Haven’t been in yeeaarrssss
Love Berns!!!!
Rococo Steak, 2nd Ave S in St Pete, FL
Typical tourists visiting an iconic restaurant without having a clue about what to order. Bern's is not exactly a tourist trap although they border on it in certain ways. Like everyone who has eaten at Bern's commented here, and NEVER had a reason to complain. I've eaten at Bern's dozens of times. The thing is, the place is an authentic "farm to table" restaurant. They grow their own vegetables and herbs. They change their vegetable side dishes every day. If you don't like your vegetable side, visit again the next day. You absolutely ordered our least favorite desserts. Anything with chocolate is superb. Nice try. Next time you venture south, call me. I'll advise you on what to order at Bern's.
The Tampa Times wrote an article(several years ago) that the majority of the veggies/fruit were NOT farm to table. Totally overrated .
@mariasant7810 Fake news. ; > )
@@mariasant7810 fake news! (As a felon once said.) Seriously, would it matter if they only grow and serve their own rutabagas? If they farm it and then sell it, isn't that the whole point?
Well…….Aren’t you fancy. 🙄🙄
@@jeffreyrodgers8527 yes. Yes I am.
It was worth the experience, but I prefer the food at Fleming's
We’ve never tried Flemings but we’ll add it to the list!
Flemings has better sides but nothing special either. My sis invited me to go for my 40th birthday and told her Outback is fine 😂.
You guys unfortunately missed the best thing that they have ,imo. CESAR SALAD! is their very best product to me. Although Bern's is great I feel like they are kinda living on past wins, so to speak. The innovations and art in cooking has made competion stiff. But still quite the experience.
You’re not fooling anyone, Adam Sandler
The service in the states no longer compares when I was a teenager! We recently returned from Africa and we had great service everywhere we went even at the gas stations. That is the way I remember as teenager in the 80's. People in the states are the most selfish self centered and only care about themselves. Even at high end establishments that your pay a high price for! And stupid tip jars everywhere!!!!!! No tip jars in Africa.
I dreaded coming back home and after many travels around the word, Africa by far is way better than the states.
Go back!
@@rick55flaplanning on it
What an immature response
Keens is hands down the best in the US.
Can’t go wrong with Keens. We’re going back soon!
@@travelfuller Get the Mutten Chop plate!
@@BillB33525 the mutton chop is the best!
Dude only Guga opinion matters. Lol!!
It’s a dump. Old tired. Been inside the wine cellar and it’s just moldy. Save your money people
Ate here. Not a huge steak guy. Bern's is very expensive. If you like steak it's okay.
Your better off going to Charley's
People keep saying that! We’ll have to look into it
@ Yep Charley's is way better without the Dracula vibe. Berns ran its course and is now a tourist trap destination.
3:34 was that someone's antacids? Shnikies
Hell NO! I went there one time and the Menu awful. You are pigeon holed into specific items and NO substitutions. The steak was so so. The meal was ridiculously expensive for what you received. I wouldn't go there again nor would I recommend it to anyone.
No steaks in the world are worth those prices.
awww bummed for your overall experience...definitely wouldn't dig the haunted vibe tho lol
It wasn’t bad! Not our favorite atmosphere but the steak was so good it was worth it
Interesting. The complimentary sides tells a lot of the story even before you get to the rest of the review. They looked like something you’d get at a 300 seat Texas Roadhouse. It makes all the lows more understandable. Not going to waste my time or $ at this establishment.
Well done video, especially given the circumstances! I thought about going to Bern's earlier in the year, but ended up skipping it when I saw their photo and video policy. That banana pie looked amazing by the way!
Thanks! We’re not used to this voice over style. We’ll need some tips from you! We had a trip planned to Tampa just to try this place so we were devastated when we saw the policy. It’s not ideal but we’re glad we could make something. I wish we could’ve compared notes because we didn’t think it was as good as most of the NYC spots!
Can’t blame them though. If I was there in a small quiet dinning room I don’t think I would want people filming and making a scene
Yeah exactly. The room we were in was us and four other couples speaking at a whisper. We would have definitely been annoying if we were filming
That place is a pretentious dump!
Waste of money.