Bern’s Steak House in Tampa, Florida, isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a culinary institution and bucket-list destination for steak lovers around the world. Since opening in 1956, Bern’s has become internationally celebrated for its perfectly dry-aged steaks, unrivaled wine collection, and one-of-a-kind dessert experience.

What Makes Bern’s Steak House Unique

Founded by Bern and Gert Laxer in Tampa’s SoHo neighborhood, Bern’s started as a modest dining spot before expanding into the iconic steakhouse it is today. Over the decades, it has grown into a place where steak is elevated to art, and every meal becomes an experience.

Bern’s is especially renowned for:

Dry-aged steaks cut to order — The steaks are aged for weeks to maximize flavor and tenderness, a hallmark of the Bern’s experience.
One of the world’s most impressive wine collections — With hundreds of thousands of bottles and thousands of labels, Bern’s wine cellar ranks among the largest and most respected globally.
The Harry Waugh Dessert Room — A separate space where guests enjoy artisanal desserts, ports, and after-dinner spirits in intimate booths made from wine casks.

Bern’s isn’t just about dinner — it’s about the entire culinary journey from appetizers to the dessert room, and the way every detail enhances the overall experience.

Many locals and visitors alike consider dining at Bern’s a special occasion highlight that defines Tampa’s dining scene. In fact, the restaurant has earned praise in national rankings and was named one of the top 100 restaurants in the U.S. by OpenTable, underscoring its enduring appeal and reputation.

History and Legacy

Bern’s Steak House was founded in 1956 by Bern and Gert Laxer. What began as a small neighborhood eatery grew into a legendary steakhouse with multiple dining rooms and a global following. Over the years, Bern’s has stayed true to its roots while continually enhancing its offerings — from dry-aged cuts to rare wines and decadent desserts upstairs.

Bern and Gert personally contributed to every part of the restaurant’s development, infusing it with passion and attention to detail that continues to define the atmosphere today. The tradition of excellence continues under the ownership of their family, ensuring that Bern’s remains a Tampa classic.

Dining Experience

When you visit Bern’s Steak House, you’re signing up for more than a meal — you’re embarking on a full gourmet adventure:

From the moment you sit down, you’ll be presented with an extensive menu featuring prime steaks and specialty cuts, expertly prepared by chefs who understand the craft of dry-aging and seasoning.

Steaks are typically served with classic accompaniments like house salads and soups. Many guests also explore the chef’s caviar selections and appetizers before moving on to their main course.

After dinner, the adventure continues in the Harry Waugh Dessert Room, where desserts, cheeses, and fortified wines await in a cozy, candlelit space. It’s a tradition that elevates dessert to a social, memorable event.

Reservations can be tough to secure — it’s wise to book well in advance — but the experience is widely regarded as worth the anticipation and planning.

Visiting Bern’s Steak House

Address: 1208 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606.

For reservations, dress code guidelines, or to explore special wine tours and cellar explorations, visit the official Bern’s Steak House website bernssteakhouse.com.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a steak aficionado, a wine lover, or someone seeking a truly memorable dining experience, Bern’s Steak House stands out as a Tampa landmark. From its meticulously prepared dry-aged steaks to one of the most extraordinary wine collections in the world and its iconic dessert room, Bern’s encapsulates the pinnacle of fine dining culture in Florida.

If you plan your visit with patience and an appetite for excellence, this Tampa institution will likely be one of the most unforgettable meals of your life.