Weekend Spotlight on Bern's Steakhouse in Tampa

Living on the Beaches of Tampa Bay, we are continually amazed at the diversity of what we have available to us. Perhaps it is the tri-city combination of Tampa, Clearwater and St, Petersburg... all unique within their own right... that gives us such an advantage.

We have written about many special venues such at our world famous beaches of Ft Desoto and Caledesi Island to the Pinellas Trail to Tarpon Springs Greek Community to the St Petersburg Saturday Market to Gaming... to name a few. So now it is the weekend and time to consider a fine dining experience.

If you are a lover of a fine steak, the award-winning Bern's Steakhouse is always at the top of the list. Currently owned and operated by David Laxer, son of founders Bern and Gert Laxer, Bern's takes their culinary skills and massive wine list to new heights. Located in the SoHo District near Hyde Park in Tampa, Florida, the restaurant was opened in 1956 as Tampa' premier dining experience.

What makes Bern's Steakhouse unique? First, steaks are dry aged five to eight weeks in special aging room (I learned the steaks bought at market are normally wet aged).

Next, the wine cellar is, perhaps, the largest in the world (in 1996, the Wine Spectator rated Bern's in a tie for the best steak house in the United States.)

Or perhaps because all the vegetables are cooked to order from its own 11-acre organic farm. The Cave du Frommage at the restaurant is literally a Cheese Cave "that houses a discriminating selection of artisan cheeses from around the world." They actually have two cheese caves and I would definitely recommend the cheese sampler!

And, of course, the upstairs Harry Waugh Dessert Room, opened in 1978, which features a 65-page menu, to extend guests' experiences and offer sumptuous cheese and pastry pairings with the finest wines, port and liquors.

It all adds up to a remarkable dining experience... and don't forget to take the complimentary tour of the kitchen, wine cellar and cheese cave! WOW!!! There is even a Bern's Steakhouse Cookbook to learn some of Bern's famous recipes at home.

As you explore Tampa Bay and all it has to offer, The PURTEE Team is pleased to help you get to know our surrounding area and why we chose to make it home!